Speaking at the recent Automotive News World Congress in Detroit, Peugeot SA chief executive Carlos Tavares said that the French automotive manufacturer is using the know-how of former Opel engineers (it acquired GM’s European Opel and Vauxhall operations in 2017) to develop vehicles designed to allow the company to re-enter the US market, while also providing “the springboard for global expansion”.

He also said that Peugeot will offer electrification as an option on all its vehicles by 2025, and that by 2030, 80% of its vehicles will offer the ability to pilot themselves under limited conditions, and that 10% will be capable of autonomous driving.

Mr Tavares outlined a three-step process for re-establishing Peugeot in the US market — the world’s second largest — and competing on GM’s home ground.

The company has started offering ‘ride services’ through its Free2Move brand, using other companies’ cars.

He said the next step will be ride services using Peugeot cars, followed by selling Peugeot vehicles designed by Opel engineers who worked for GM.

“Opel engineers can ensure that future products for the US market will be fully US-compliant from a regulatory standpoint but also satisfy customer tastes,” Mr Tavares said, adding that the company already has people working on new models for the US market.