(Ecofin Agency) - French automobile group PSA Peugeot-Citroën is about to launch a car adapted to Africa’s roads and weather conditions, La Tribune Afrique reported on October 17.
Conceived based on a 406 improved model, the new car will serve drivers from Africa where asphalt roads are often only in main metropolises and few strategic axes, said the site which cited no sources.
The Africa-adapted Peugoet aims to revive the famous 504, nicknamed the “reine des pistes” (roads queen), which has known an astounding success on the continent. The group will assemble the car at its Nigeria-based plant, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) which already assembles Peugeot 301 models sold in the sub-region.
PSA should input some modifications to its 406 basic model to make the new model more robust. According to La Tribune Afrique, its shock absorbers and all the components of its suspension system will be reinforced, while its ground clearance will be enhanced. Air filter will be modified to resist more dust without the engine risking choking. The engine’s main functions will also be calibrated to work “normally” at high temperatures
To deal with the issue of fuel of poor quality often used in Africa, PSA is considering integrating to the new model a double-layered fuel filter system, with a classic filter at the inlet manifold, and an innovative filter at the tank.