In this week's round-up of automotive gossip, we hear why DS could be less fussed about volume, Volkswagen predicts the demise of small diesels and more.
DS won't chase volume
DS Automobiles is “very profitable”, according to PSA Europe boss Maxime Picat. Pre-lockdown, the brand saw increases in both sales and profits, yet PSA won’t be chasing volume. Picat said the company is aware that it could take as many as 40 years to establish DS as a global premium brand. “We know it will take time to win hearts in the UK and Germany,” he said, adding: “If you say you’re going to sell 400,000 units a year, you put pressure on it.”
Kia Picanto to weather city car storm
There's still life yet for the Kia Picanto, despite the ongoing demise of the city car segment. Kia UK boss Paul Philpott said that while volume is likely to be reduced from 18,000 units in 2019 to 12,000 in 2020 in order for Kia to meet its EU-set CO2 emissions targets, there is a definite future for the Picanto in the UK.
Small diesels are goners, says VW
Ever-toughening emissions standards will make diesel unviable for smaller cars, according to Volkswagen technical boss Matthias Rabe. He believes the investment required to meet the planned Euro 7 standards will make diesel engines too expensive for the Volkswagen Polo and Volkswagen Golf in future, although “it will make sense for SUVs with higher weight and more drag”.
