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| Peugeot may have a hard time breaking back into the North American market after being gone for so long. (Photo: Peugeot) |
With Renault in mind, they too are working toward reentering North America by 2010, or thereabouts. Their partial ownership of Nissan could pave the way to a smoother integration via an established dealer base. Peugeot, however, has no such ties and will need to start from scratch setting up relationships with prospective retailers who may be slightly apprehensive to align themselves with a company that has divorced itself from North American consumers for so long.
So, speed bumps aside, what's a good estimate for a return? Being that Peugeot's plants have been working at 117% capacity, they won't be able to target a new market until new facilities are expected to be completed, sometime in 2005 or 2006.
But as light trucks and sport utilities aren't as popular in Europe as in our domestic market Peugeot doesn't build any, excepting a minivan dubbed the 807. According to the report Folz isn't concerned.
"Clearly light trucks are significant, but there also are cars (being sold in the US)," he stated.
So take heart Peugeot aficionados, your brand just might just make a comeback this decade. It will be a refreshing alternative when it does.