Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies.

2025/05/0123:55:43 hotcomm 1356

There is no car brand Turnaround in the world that can be as thorough and successful as PSA.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The troubled PSA

PSA's dilemma was built before the 2008 financial crisis.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

, Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years (1997-2007), has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. So he tried his best to put PSA on the negotiation table for cooperation: he set up a factory in Czech with , developed engines with BMW , shared MPV with FIAT, shared SUV with Mitsubishi , provided Ford with small-displacement diesel engines, and left the next door with Renault , and circulated between the two brands from transmission , engines to various assembly.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Although he launched the Citroen C6 project, he is still alert to advanced cars. He firmly believes that "no C2 buyer will pay an extra penny because of the existence of C6." During his tenure, PSA's sales maintained high growth, and in the European market, it was not easy to grow from 2.1 million to 3.4 million units in ten years.

The strategy he uses is to constantly plug in variants and segmented models. So we seem to see the golden age of PSA, C3 Pluriel, Xsara Picasso, 306CC, 1007, which bring our imagination of cars to the extreme.

But the low sales + multivariate model is a dangerous game, especially the high-cost variant.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

PSA around 2008 clearly showed problems of stagnation in sales growth and worsening profitability. In addition to the criticized quality problems, the economic crisis is just a fuse. In 2008, PSA's stock lost 80% of its value, and the Peugeot family, which is behind the scenes, also began to contact Sergio Marchionne. FIAT+PSA's plan was soon rejected by the then French president Sarkozy , and he prefers a French major league PSA+Renault.

or PSA layoffs + government-led banks give 2 billion euros subsidies.

But these measures are not the root cause. In 2012, PSA's losses reached its highest point, with a net profit margin of -8.4% that year, with a loss of more than 4.6 billion euros. The government once again set aside 10 billion euros to bail out the PSA, thus starting a series of equity adjustments involving General and Dongfeng .

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

A year later, PSA ushered in the recreation of Carlos Tavares.

Back in the race

Carlos Tavares prescribed the first dose of the PSA four months after taking office. It includes:

■ Differentiate brands and increase price;

■ Global module strategy;

■ Guarantee profit;

■ Enhance competitiveness.

distinguishes brands. At that time, PSA had only three brands, Peugeot, Citroen , and DS. The three brands were in a state of mutual murder. The chaotic model planning has left consumers at a loss for the two brands of Citroen and Peugeot, and the same room has killed the possibility of DS increasing its profit margin. The strategy of distinguishing brands clearly draws the relationship between three brands: DS Peugeot Citroen, and at the same time sets the target for the selling price of each brand.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Global Module Strategy. The global module strategy is a means to force the use of platform products and reduce single vehicle models. Through this plan, the number of PSA models will be reduced from 45 to 26, with the platform limited to EMP1 and EMP2, and the Cluster will be limited to 5, thereby driving the optimization of R&D and production costs.

guarantees profit. The pricing power of the vehicle model was delegated to various brands, while pushing up the business goals of BRIC countries. Import the concept of Region Leader, this position is directly responsible for profit performance within the region. Focus on the Chinese market and set "one million units in 2020" as the goal.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

enhances competitiveness. This is the core point, which includes three measures: reducing fixed expenditures, layoffs/payment cuts, and improving the cash flow of the enterprise . The core of

Back in the race is to keep PSA alive, so the fourth point is particularly important.

The killer behind the killer

Tavares, who is obsessed with cost, is like a CEO of financial or audit background, but this is not the case.

Before serving as PSA CEO, the Portuguese stayed in Renault-Nissan Alliance for a full 32 years. He started from being responsible for the single part of the balance rod, and achieved the COO of Renault- Nissan , becoming the cost killer behind the cost killer Ghosn.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Ghosn-Tavares

In a 2013 Bloomberg interview, Tavares confessed that he was tired of Ghosn's obsession with power, and suggested that the other party should give way to him. The latter of course showed no mercy and cut melons and vegetables to sweep Tavares out. The OEMs recruited Tavares at that time included General Motors and Ford, but it was obvious that the CEO was his only goal.

Philippe Varin, who was then the CEO of PSA, just retired.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Tavares-Varin

Tavares are extremely sensitive to cost and details. He does not have a customized private suit and often travels on the economy class of EasyJet instead of the company's private jet. When visiting the Poissy factory, he carefully asked the factory manager about the cost and technical details, and the latter was vague and the scene was very awkward. The factory manager admitted that before Tavares, no PSA CEO would be interested in the factory's operating data.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Tavares-Barra-Neumann

Tavares believe in team work, and he has a theory of "One extra mile". That is, every team employee should do one more thing for this team to prevent other team members from making mistakes in a certain matter and affecting the results of the entire team. He adheres to discipline and comes to his home for dinner on time at 7pm every day, "We’re here to get results, not make hours". He has a unique understanding of strategy: if we fail, it must be that we are not working hard enough, but that our strategy is wrong.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Only two years after the implementation of Back in the race, PSA Group's profit rate increased from 0.2% to 4.7% in 2016 without significant changes in sales. PSA has solved the survival problem. In March 2016, Tavares threw out his second plan.

Push to pass

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Push to pass can be simply understood as an upgraded version of Back in the race, and began to propose the Performance indicator. The core is to make a Great car maker that provides travel solutions, including:

■ Quality orientation;

■ Core models & technology;

■ Brand power;

■ Efficiency;

■ New front;

■ Mobility.

Quality orientation: customer experience and satisfaction, relatively empty indicators.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

core models include a large number of updated models on the two platforms of CMP (EMP1?) and EMP2, launching 26 new passenger cars and 8 commercial vehicles, and emphasizing a 1-ton pickup truck (Changan Kaicheng). The core technologies include four items: new PHEV and BEV, internal combustion engine regulations adaptive development, a new infotainment system and driver assistance system.

brand power. Continue to draw a clear line between the three brands and aim to increase the price of DS and Peugeot bicycles. DS obtains more marketing resources to attract more non-PSA customers.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

efficiency. Efficiency is recognized as PSA's DNA for the first time, and its core is still to reduce production and operation costs. These include: reducing the ratio of bicycle compensation/revenue, reducing the ratio of marketing/consumption conversion, reducing the structural costs of factories by 20%, adjusting and updating cost reduction measures, and reducing place costs.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

new front, adjust the market structure of PSA. European market: In 2020, we will reach the goal of second place in passenger car market share, first place in light commercial vehicles market share, and first place in mainstream brands' net profit margins. Chinese market: sales of 1 million units reached two years ahead of schedule, and the net profit margin of DPCA and CAPSA reached 10% in 2021. Other markets: Citroen entered India, Peugeot entered Africa and South America, and overseas market sales increased by 300%.

Mobility, online sales of Eurorepar, travel/rental company Free2Move.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Tavares-Elkann

Push to pass strategy will be implemented until 2022. During this period, PSA's net profit margin remained at around 5%, reaching a peak of 8.5% in 2019, comparable to luxury brands. Cash flow remained above 500 million euros, and PSA went from being poor and weak overnight to becoming a big shark in the M&A industry.In 2017, PSA won Opel+Vauxhall for 1.3 billion euros. In 2021, the acquisition target FIAT became the merged target and also received a Chrysler.

■ Structural issues

However, the market structure and brand power have always been the weakness of PSA.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Looking back, PSA's overseas market has been completely lost, with LATAM, ASEAN and Africa without exception. The highly anticipated Iranian Khodro and SAIPA projects have been completely stopped due to the Iranian nuclear issue, and India's Citroen factory has also been delayed until 2021, and the Asia-Pacific region and Kenya factories have been missing for a long time. The most serious thing is the retreat of the Chinese market. PSA should have achieved sales of one million in 2018, while the figure for that year was only 263,000 units; a year later, this value was reduced to 117,000 units.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

2019 is a year of PSA harvest. But 90% of sales come from Europe, with 3.47 million units ranked ninth in the world and fourth among European manufacturers, while France can maintain its market share. The brand growth was weak, and Peugeot only recovered the price discount in 2015 without any positive growth. As the DS brand aging its models, sales volume has dropped from 102,000 units to 61,000 units.

Even if Tavares has tapped the full cost potential of PSA, PSA is still a regional low-selling brand.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

So M&A is a good choice. Not every supervisory board will agree to merge and expand when new crown .

Unless you are sure, your CEO is reliable enough.

EMP2

PSA suddenly became a big enterprise, but the core model will not change because of this.

, especially Stellantis' brands are basically in bulk, and there are only two possible commonalities: 1. Cost pursuit, such as Citroen, Opel , FIAT, Lancia; 2. EV. According to the current model arrangement of each brand, it is highly likely that we can only see FIAT and Lancia on several CMP platforms and Alfa Romeo and Jeep on several EMP2 platforms. Transatlantic cooperation can only watch EV.

Whether it is PSA or STLA, the core model is still 208/2008/308/3008.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The new generation 308 was unveiled in 2021, replacing the 8-year-old second generation 308. However, due to the impact of the epidemic, the new models have only been slowly released this year. The difference between the third-generation 308 and the second-generation 308 is limited. The size of the hatchback model is almost the same. There are only a few changes in the front overhang length, wheelbase and height. The front and rear axle loads of the internal combustion engine models are basically the same, and the front and rear wheelbases have not changed at all.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The biggest change in the body structure is the windshield structure and the hood length. The former has been changed from a closed structure to an open structure; the hood has grown by 10cm, so the side proportion of the car body has changed, making it look more slender. Although from the perspective of overall layout, such a huge engine compartment seems to have no practical significance.

The reason for a big face may be that it needs to accommodate the third load conduction path and side collision structure, and the bigger reason should be the shape.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

In order to cope with collision needs, the top structure of the front axle has been changed.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

front and rear axles have very limited changes, and the parts are basically one to one from the previous generation model Carry-over. Except for the characteristics of bushing and balance rods, as well as rotating parts such as bearings and drive shaft , which may change, the shape of other levers is almost exactly the same. The biggest difference in the front axle is that the brake installation position of the steering knuckle changes, which may be an adaptive design for larger brakes for the PHEV models. The biggest difference between rear axle is the tower top structure of the shock absorber, and the reason may also be that of the axle load of the PHEV model.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

PHEV model is no different from EMP2's biggest highlight. Previously, PSA achieved excellent CO2 emission indicators based on small-displacement diesel engine technology and the high sales share of small cars. Today's path: flexible use of the platform. Unlike BMW CLAR and FAAR, EMP2 and CMP have clear levels:

■ EMP2 model has a higher positioning and a more flexible price range, ICE+PHEV+BEV;

■ CMP model positioning basic, more sensitive to cost, ICE+small BEV.

PHEV adopts a strategy of multi-form variants (P2/P2+P4) and low-model variants, maintaining the combination of a gasoline engine + a diesel engine + multiple PHEVs, and is driven by PHEV. Want to buy high power? PHEV; Want to buy four-wheel drive? PHEV. The cost strategy of

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

EMP2-PHEV is as follows:

■ P2-bit drive motor + e-EAT8 is assembled in Japan, and the P4-bit drive motor + rear axle assembly is assembled in China, reducing component and assembly costs;

■ 12.4kWh battery is currently provided by CATL and imported from the battery pack;

■ P4 rear axle has a huge cage-shaped subframe structure, which basically compresses the changes in parts inside the assembly, and the body is plug-and-play module. There is also a good price strategy for

PHEV to top it:

■ Supported by government subsidy plans, more room for price increase;

■ No need to consider the economic impact of carbon emissions.

challenge is the soon-to-high PHEV subsidy threshold for EU , and EMP2-PHEV needs a larger battery pack. For this, EMP2 can use a P4-bit motor to hedge against .

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

If you compare the German PHEV platform, there is no doubt that the EMP2-PHEV platform has obvious cost-effective advantages.

No update powertrain

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Of course, this also means that the engine can last for another two years.

■ The third generation of engine

has one 1.2T gasoline and 1.5T diesel machine each, two transmissions, 6MT and 8AT, and one driving method for front-wheel drive. The test car uses 1.2T+8AT, which is a mainstream combination. This 2014 1.2T engine supports the entire PSA, and the technical configuration includes: 200bar direct injection in cylinder, inlet and exhaust valve timing adjustment, compression ratio of 10.5:1, electronically controlled turbine exhaust valve, variable displacement oil pump .

technical details are basically in the last decade, and one of the few highlights are NVH performance and economy.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

average speed is 124km/h, fuel consumption is 5.9L/100km

NVH performance In addition to the not very pleasant low-frequency noise , this three-cylinder engine has basically no disadvantages; in terms of economy, this engine has a very wide low-energy consumption range, and the commonly used load conditions are good economical. Of course, in order to ensure emission performance, it also has a very wide concentration range, and the Flat-out fuel consumption is very considerable.

is more in line with the operating conditions of PSA in countries with high market share.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The whole vehicle makes three adjustments to energy consumption: Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews. The active air intake grille covers all cooler ; 2. The lower guard plate of the engine uses a huge heat reflector plate to optimize the low temperature characteristics; 3. The guard plate covers the entire chassis.

■ Transmission

Aixin 8AT gear shift strategy has no disadvantages and stable performance.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Big speed ratio range

ECO mode has a neutral sliding function, the working condition setting is relatively conservative, and the probability of opening is not high. The test car was not equipped with ACCh. I am not sure whether there is a fusion data function, at least it is certain that there is no fusion map data. The transmission automatically lowers the first gear by entering the Sport mode. The overall shifting experience is not much different. The main reason may be from the limited power output of the 1.2T engine. The main problem with the transmission is the control of the low-speed clutch, which will occasionally break during downshift or load step. Due to the use of capacitors, the performance of the start and stop function is significantly better than that of the CMP models.

may be that the torque amplification coefficient of the 8AT torque converter is too large, or the calibration of the accelerator pedal is too aggressive. When the throttle opens at a small degree, you will always get an approximately overshoot power output, so you prefer the ECO mode.

summary: Compared with the EA211evo with 48-volt BSG, this powertrain has no advantage in any indicator.

Interior and Exterior Decoration

The highlight of the new generation 308 is the interior and exterior decoration.

Exterior decoration

test car is the lowest-equipped Active Pack among all configuration lines, which looks a bit miserable.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Peugeot uses three-layer configuration line Active Pack-Allure-GT plus two stacked Allure Pack and GT Pack to strive to increase the price. Most of the two stacks are the configurations that customers like. For example, the Allure Pack includes Keyless, ACC and wireless charging of the mobile phone, and the GT Pack includes LKA, 360° camera and Focal audio to guide consumers to purchase at a higher price.The top-end GT Pack basically uses up all the configuration list of 308, and the additional options are panoramic sunroof, heated air shield and trailer sirens. The appearance difference between the

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

configuration lines is huge, and the difference comes from the core of the styling - fang lights and wheels. The headlights are divided into upper and lower assembly, each with two variants of high and low. Except for the Active Pack's fang lamp, which is a five intermittent LED light group, the other configurations are coherent LED reflectors, and the matrix LED headlight with actuation mechanism is standard for the GT.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The huge wheel arches and wide C-pillar are very sensitive to wheel size. It is not a problem to not use two-width wheel hubs to control the number of parts, but the effect of the 205/55R16 looks really terrible.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

match gap

308 There are 7 different car paints in total, the ratio of standard paint to metal paint is 1:6. The test car is standard rental car paint, and the advertising color is olive green. All paint colors, including standard paint, require additional money.

If you don’t add money, your car will be transparent.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

308 and 308SW continue to use resin tailgate, adding an X/Z support point than the previous generation models, and the process design. Tail door hinges are produced separately and are painted in advance. The 308 continues to have two spare tire groove structures, the HB is welded with stamping parts and the SW is bonded with resin parts, the same as the previous generation model.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The door structures of the front and rear models are basically the same. They are still simple stamping parts hinges, still simple mechanical limiters, and the hinges are still without varnish. The opening angle of the rear door is strange, and it is a bit upturned. In order to ensure the uniform resistance of each door, the limiter does not have enough effect on the fixing of the rear door. It may close itself if the door position is not controlled.

■ Interior

Active Pack's interior is also very miserable.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

interior highlights i-Toggle is a shortcut key operation board that calls for functions. Functional operations rely on the upper screen. Some functions will be repeated with that row of physical shortcut keys. Fortunately, they support customization and are still functional. The i-Toggle starts with Allure. The Active Pack uses a physical air conditioning template that looks a bit like Lexus . It looks like it has a slab and eye-catching, but the knob is still of Peugeot quality and has low accuracy.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

i-Cockpit replaces the full LCD screen, and the GT line has a projection device, which can produce 3D effects in the center area of ​​the dashboard. There are two main problems with this projection device: 1. Light reflection caused by strong light; 2. Not fully 3D, there are two layers of information in the instrument panel, and the visual focal length needs to be deliberately adjusted to obtain information. To sum up: there is no need.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Personally don't like Peugeot i-Cockpit and the steering wheel angle problems caused by this. It is not understandable that the logic of having to make a narrow instrument with a strange size and flat bottom steering wheel for the dashboard shape and an HUD analogue is that the design also limits the feasible driving posture and the convenience of getting on and off the car. Take me as an example. You can only see all the information of the dashboard when the steering wheel is placed at the bottom and pulled to the closest position to the body. At this time, I can only hold the steering wheel that falls in my crotch, or simply put the handheld on the upper edge of the steering wheel.

Then I found that my hand blocked the dashboard. The interior quality of

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

308 is quite qualified, and the configuration between various materials is uniform. The dashboard shape brings a lot of sharp angles and a lot of decorative strips. It looks good, but it also puts forward considerable requirements for workmanship. Some problems of incomplete spray paint, burrs, and missing chamfers can be seen at the back of the screen, the air outlet and the boss edge of the shifting rod. Fortunately, most of them are invisible.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

in the interior of the high and low-end models is the seats, the decorative belt under the air outlet and the 8-color ambient light. There are also two types of ceiling light modules, which are divided into the button type used by the test car and the touch type of high-end model. The ceiling lights of the test car do not have door opening lighting function. There are only two types of seats: manual lumbar adjustment, co-pilot's height adjustment, and electric AGR version with lumbar adjustment. The AGR seats are originally exclusive to Opel, and it seems that the platform unified Peugeot does not need to be used for nothing. Highly equipped with three types of skins: fabric, semi-PUR semi-fabric and Nappa.The front seats do not provide Interaction airbags, and the rear seats do not provide side airbags, and the air curtains are standard.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The low-end manual fabric seat has a good experience to ride, the cushion is thick, the filled PUR liner profile has curved and two stiffnesses. But it is really not breathable. I don’t know what the Southern European people who like Peugeot have.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

rear row height is 10cm higher than the previous generation model, and the space is satisfactory. For safety reasons, the shape of the rear door opening has changed, and the seat seems to be moved backward, hiding behind the door frame.

saves money, can you change the window button module that has been used for 20 years?

■ Electronics & ADAS

308 has replaced it with a brand new infotainment host. If you guessed correctly, it should be developed by Clarion.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Release Note The date of

has two significant features: 1. Implanting the OTA function; 2. The new HMI interface.

As we all know, the HMI logic of PSA's previous generation entertainment hosts is crashing, such as the operation interface is not unified, some pages are turned continuously, and some clicks are turned, and OK and Cancel are not in the same position. These issues are addressed on the new host, and similar features are brought together in a reasonable way. Moreover, the input method is really no longer ABCD but standard QWERTZ.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

new host problems: 1. Inadequate system stability and missing icons; 2. Wireless CarPlay and Port CarPlay rights management are chaotic, and the output port of the plug-in charging source is closed after pairing; 3. Wireless CarPlay transmission is interrupted, and the host cannot start the Bluetooth module. The built-in navigation system of

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

is an additional module provided by navigation big head Tomtom. It’s just that PSA does not integrate the navigation database and the operation interface is not unified. The search results seem to be not at Tomtom's level, I don't know why. I won’t mention the editing interface of the

custom menu, I really don’t understand it.

new host still lacks competitiveness. The main updates of

308 on the ADAS system are: 1. Added L2 AssistDriving, using a better image recognition function (guessed that it is Mobileye Q4 shared with BMW); 2. Use medium-range radar instead of PDC for blind spot monitoring to achieve automatic overtaking action; 3. Capacitor steering wheel.

test drive car is not optional and no evaluation is made. The electrical architecture of

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

EMP2 is centered on BCM and entertainment host. BCM integrates gate control, lighting and Gateway functions, which is very similar to the architecture of Tesla to a certain extent. However, on the gate control, EMP2's 308 seems to have the same problems as CMP Opel Mokka, such as the ignition button's detection time for the key is too long, the door is refused to be locked in a short time after unlocking, and the remote key cannot be closed when Cl.30 is opened.

In addition, the logic of the electronic shift lever is quite strange. For example, the P gear needs to be allowed to be hung after the speed is 0 for a period of time, and the additional button duration is required when the gear is turned off. Of course, the most outrageous thing is that the gate control is not linked to the electronic gear shift lever and EPB. I can still open the door and get off after I get into the driving gear, and the most basic functional safety has not been achieved.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

BCM monitors Cl.30 very tightly. After Cl.15 is only allowed to use for 3 minutes, then enter "Energy-saving mode". If you continue to use Cl.30, you need to reignite and then turn off. Considering that the volume of the 12-volt battery is not low, it may be a higher battery monitoring setting.

■Driving and handling

308's driving performance met expectations.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Personally, I feel that the R-EPS of the new model has been readjusted, and the teeth are larger but more reasonable than the previous generation model. A small-sized steering wheel can easily leave a sense of sportiness, but the handling characteristics of the entire vehicle are not indicated in this regard. The steering machine of the test car has a large boost and its speed-accessibility is not very prominent. It is speculated that Peugeot may not have made additional calibrations for small wheels. The adjustment of the shock absorber is significantly neutral than that of the previous generation models, and is more in line with the model positioning.

308 currently does not provide adjustable shock absorbers, nor does it provide low suspension or sport suspension, which is a cost control move.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

Due to the existence of PHEV, 308 has replaced the iBRS, and the supplier is unknown.Since the start-stop triggering condition is 0km/h, the braking assist characteristics do not require complicated settings. Overall, the characteristics of pedal displacement and braking force will not cause any discomfort to people, and the calibration results are satisfactory.

Cost and factory

with the new 308 product status, fortunately, Peugeot's market pricing rights have been restored a lot.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

The overall prospect of the EU market is currently relatively pessimistic. Factors that are beneficial to PSA or STLA products are:

■ The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has caused damage to the HV cable supply chain of some European manufacturers and limited production capacity of PHEV models;

■ Production and logistics problems have limited production capacity of some manufacturers relying on global sourcing, and this has limited impact on PSA;

■ The decline in EU subsidies has led to the pre-emption of demand for PHEV models;

■ Consumers' expectations for the future have weakened and reduced car purchase expenditure.

Unfavorable factors include:

■ PSA's supply chain is basically in the EU. The current high inflation in the EU has led to a sharp rise in costs, and there are no clear hedging measures for the time being.

This is also the reason why PHEV is promoted in the top 308 this time.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

PSA's selection of vehicle model production bases is closely related to cost considerations. The basic idea is to choose high-cost production bases for high-priced models, such as the DS 4 and Astra are in the same line in Opel Luthersheim, while the brother model 308 leaves the Peugeot parent factory Poissy and is produced with the 508 at the Mulhouse factory on the German-France border. In addition to increasing factory load, integrating the production logistics chain seems to be the purpose.

PSA's pursuit of cost in the production process is reflected in: 1. There is a large amount of offline assembly, and the assembly work is completed by suppliers, such as the front face + water tank frame, instrument table and seat assembly; 2. Nearly 30% of the production workers are non-PSA employees, and the proportion of workers in the assembly line is slightly lower; 3. A large number of production facilities are older, such as robots and logistics vehicles; 4. The automation rate of some work steps is low.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

is really hard for the cost.

Conclusion

STLA is the result of PSA Turnaround and is also a new beginning for PSA.

In fact, as early as the Folz era, PSA realized that there are only two modes of the automobile industry in this world:

■ Small and exquisite, high investment, high price, strong brand;

■ Win by quantity and use cost space to generate price advantages.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

STLA solves the market structure problem of PSA, flattening the investment costs behind PSA, and bringing new cost space to scale. The resulting leverage effect is naturally a coexistence of risks and opportunities: the bizarre brand positioning and such exaggerated spectral scale are all new challenges to Tavares.

In March 2022, he released STLA's first plan, Dare forward. The contents are no longer pricing, cost and market structure, but autonomous driving, new platforms and electric vehicles, with obvious changes in old and new.

Jean Martin Folz, who has been in charge of PSA for ten years, has a deep and sober understanding of PSA: this is a regional low-selling brand, and it has no chance to compete with large companies. - DayDayNews

And our 308 happens to be a product in the transformation of old and new strategies, and it also has profound product characteristics that belong to the old era. Its model still depends on cost, and in China without cost advantage, it does not have any chance of winning.

Finally, I sincerely wish the upcoming Chinese version 408 to be sold.

Reference:
Stellantis: FISCAL Year annual report 2014, 2015, 2019, 2020

Stellantis: Strategic Plan “back in the race”, “push to pass”, “dare forward”

Bloomberg: Turnaround, interview with Carlos Tavares

Wikipedia

Text|Allen

Picture|Allen Network

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