Peugeot Partners With Bosch To Create Diesel Electric Hybrid

PSA Peugeot Citroën has announced a strategic partnership with Bosch to create the diesel hybrid technology needed to bring the company's Prologue concept vehicle, shown at the 2008 Paris Motor Show, to dealer showrooms in Europe by 2011. According to a press release, Bosch will work with Peugeot to co-develop, manufacture and supply Peugeot with the components for the concept's four-wheel drive diesel hybrid powertrain.

Bosch will supply a rear electric motor, a high-voltage alternator and control electronics, along with interface specifications for the electric and electronic components, the anti-lock brakes and the vehicle's electronic stability control system. The jointly developed technology will also make its way into the 2011 Citroën Hypnos crossover concept vehicle, which also debuted at the 2008 Paris Motor Show.

The deal marks PSA Peugeot Citroën's first foray into the diesel hybrid market. The powertrain is expected to deliver 200-hp and make extensive use of regenerative braking and other energy recovery technologies. Bosch has been developing hybrid power systems for about 30 years. Other European manufacturers, including VW, Opel and BMW, are also taking a run at the diesel-electric hybrid market for European consumers, but diesel electric hybrids will be a tougher sell in North America, and will most likely enter the marketplace as an option only for heavy-duty vehicles like buses and trucks.

Photo: Courtesy of PSA Peugeot Citroën