27 May 2010

From crinoline stays and pepper mills

So, which modern car manufacturer can name the making of steel stays for crinoline skirts as amongst its products portfolio?

Ah, that'd be the Lion brand from France, Peugeot. The company is celebrating 200 years since its founding brothers converted their father's corn mill into a steel mill at the start of the Industrial Revolution.

Steel tools, saws, and the famous pepper mills were also produced in the early days, using from 1858 the emblem of the lion to suggest strength. Bicycles, motorbikes, scooters, cars and vans evolved from these through the decades.

In 1891, the company produced its first petrol powered car, the Type 2. The launch of the 201 after WW1 began the numeric designation of its cars, a system which has continued until the recent arrival of the RCZ coupe. The 201 was also the first car to have independently suspended front wheels.

Cars highlights have included the 403, the first mass-produced diesel powered saloon; the iconic 205 with its many versions and sporting victories; the particulate filter as a world first on the 607; the HDi FAP engine's victory at Le Mans, and the BB1 concept, the urban crossover between the car and the scooter.

With a total of 55 million cars built to date, Peugeot was the tenth ranking manufacturer in the world last year, selling in 160 countries. It will be producing no fewer than 14 new models between 2010 and 2012, and brand new style lines illustrated by the SR1 concept car.

And not a crinoline stay in sight ...