From a metal shop to an automotive giant – we’re going to go on an adventure today, to look at how carmaker Peugeot made history in the 21st century, and how it intends to charge ahead.

Founded in 1810 in the midst of the industrial revolution by Jean-Frederic and Jean-Pierre II Peugeot, the company came about when the Peugeot family transformed its hydraulic mill into a steel mill.

With the steel mill, various branches of the family started expanding into manufacturing to produce a wide range of products, all based on steel.

Think along the lines of tools, springs, umbrellas, whales, corset frames, watch pieces, bicycles and more.

Years went by, and then came a family member called Armand Peugeot who is crucial to the entire story.

As someone who was fascinated by engineering, Armand Peugeot came up with the first Peugeot-branded automotive vehicle in 1889, a steam-driven, non-commercialised 3-wheeler. That sowed the seeds for the modern day Peugeot.

In 2021, Peugeot and Fiat Chrysler Automobile merged to form Stellantis, becoming the world’s third largest automaker by vehicle sales. Today, Peugeot is said to offer the widest electric vehicle line-up of any European mainstream brand, covering all needs from urban cars to commercial vehicles.

But how has Peugeot’s positioning changed over the centuries, particularly post merger? Also – how is Peugeot as a brand doubling down on the electrification trend, especially with the discontinuation of its 508 model to make way for EVs?

On Under the Radar, Money Matters’ finance presenter Chua Tian Tian posed these questions to Linda Jackson, (then) CEO, Peugeot.

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Additional Note:
Shortly after the Part 1 of the interview went out, Stellantis, the parent company of Peugeot, announced a series of changes to its top leadership, including at Peugeot.

As part of the changes, Alain Favey was announced as the new CEO of Peugeot, taking over from Linda (Jackson) who has retired after 20 years with the company.

It's been a privilege to speak with Linda in one of her last interviews with the media in her capacity at Peugeot, and we wish her all the best in her future endeavour.

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