Groupe PSA was a key contributor to France’s trade balance in 2018, with a surplus of 4.9 billion euros. Its five French vehicle assembly plants produced 1.2 million vehicles (an increase of 6.4% on 2017), representing almost a third of the group’s world-wide vehicle production.

The level of domestic output exceeds the commitments made under the ‘New Momentum for Growth’ agreement, signed in July 2016 by five out of six French trade unions that represent 80% of employees.

Due to the group’s strong manufacturing presence in France, 14 Peugeot, Citroën and DS Automobiles (DS was first announced in the beginning of 2009 by Citroën as a premium sub-brand) vehicles were awarded the ‘Guaranteed French Origin’ label by the not-for-profit organisation Pro France.

Groupe PSA chairman Carlos Tavares (www.groupe-psa.com) said: “The group’s strong and regular contribution to France’s economic activity is a source of great pride for our group and for the 68,000 employees working in the country.

"It is the result of our French sites’ competitiveness, which will be a key asset to face the challenges of the transition to electrified vehicles.”

Meanwhile, Groupe PSA’s Poissy plant is to produce an additional vehicle. Since 2016, it has been working on a project to strengthen its competitiveness, and Groupe PSA successfully implemented a multi-vehicle and multi-energy assembly line that saw the launch this year of the DS 3 Crossback in both electric and internal combustion versions.

The improvement in its manufacturing performance has enabled the Poissy plant to secure the manufacture of the new Opel/Vauxhall B-SUV model on its new production line.

Yann Vincent, executive vice-president (manufacturing and supply chain), said: “Our multi-vehicle multi-energy advanced production concept, which we are developing across our plants, will enhance our agility with regard to ‘energy transition’.

"This is a key asset that will make the difference in the coming years and will be a strong lever to support our electrification offensive.

"We are on track to meet our objective of having an electrified version of all our new vehicles, starting in 2019 and offering electric or plug-in hybrid versions for 100% of the models in our five brands by 2025.”