Autocar confidential: Future of hot Peugeots, Aston’s car focus and more

On this week’s round-up of automotive gossip, we hear how Mini plans to maintain automobile manufacturing in Oxford (so long as it will possibly), why the success of the 508 PSE is pivotal for the way forward for sizzling Peugeots and extra.

Mini’s Brexit buffer

Mini plans to maintain automobile manufacturing in Oxford “for as we speak” and, regardless of Brexit, will “run the ability as a traditional enterprise as we’ve completed till now”, manufacturing boss Milan Nedeljkovic has mentioned. Nevertheless, he admitted that “it can rely on financial modifications, and it’ll rely on how the world is altering”. He elaborated: “We don’t have any plans proper now to vary this till, let’s say, the circumstances don’t enable the manufacturing of vehicles within the UK.”

Scorching Peugeots cling on 508

The way forward for sizzling Peugeots is determined by the success of the 508 PSE, in keeping with former UK managing director David Peel, who countered earlier stories that the GTi badge may return. He mentioned: “We’ve made it fairly clear that PSE is our sports activities mannequin shifting forwards. [The 508] is a take a look at to see whether or not the market wants one thing like that. However we undoubtedly wish to attempt to preserve that motorsport, sporty picture method if it’s viable. If we do, it can undoubtedly be LEV [low-emission vehicle] based mostly.” Again in March, Peugeot boss Jean-Philippe Imparato mentioned the GTi badge “remained vital” to the model and acknowledged its recognition within the UK, suggesting that it may return on the e-208.

Aston’s sub snub

Aston Martin’s model extensions below former CEO Andy Palmer took in the whole lot from submarines to condo blocks, however the agency intends to be extra centered on vehicles and racing below its new administration, in keeping with chairman Lawrence Stroll. “I don’t assume we’ll be doing any extra condos,” he mentioned. “Simply the one block in Miami and that’s it…”