The Early Years Of The Lion Cars

Peugeot like many of the European car manufacturers such Audi and Citroen have a rich and illustrious history. The cars on the forecourts of dealerships evidently use this heritage as a means of development and styling. However Peugeot were not always involved with the manufacturing of cars; originally the company made steel rods, not exactly glamorous but the rods were used in dresses. This working with steel led the company into a field that would get them closer to putting cars in dealerships. The detailed knowledge of circular steel production gave Peugeot the knowledge to manufacture bicycles; this took place throughout the latter half of the nineteenth century with the production of 'le Grande Bi' a bike more commonly known as the penny farthing.

It was under the brand name of Armand Peugeot that the company made their initial forays into the manufacturing of motor cars. This inaugural model, using a steam engine had three wheels and a rather complicated method of control. It is understandable then that the car was not particularly popular and did not make it onto the forecourts of dealerships. Steam however was soon abandoned for the internal combustion engine; this was achieved with the help of Gottlieb Daimler.

Peugeot have always been especially proud of their technological developments and to this day they are touted in dealerships across the land. The company was the first to incorporate rubber tyres into their manufacturing; albeit a solid type. Pneumatic tyres were eventually developed and extensively used in the motor sport world where Peugeot strived to win a variety of events in France and more widely across Europe. Another technological development was the folding roof that is such a hallmark of modern convertible cars.

The French have always had a indulgence for Peugeot. Unlike the British, the country was proud of its motoring industry and like Germany, bough national cars in order to support French workers and dealerships. This relationship dates back to the turn of the century where the company was able to sell a quarter of the total cars in France. During this period the company still manufactured bicycles and with the knowledge of this industry started producing motorcycles for the open market. By 1899 the company was clearly the nation's favourite selling over half of the cars in the country.

The twenties saw a division of the company; the bicycle division, which still makes bikes today became a separate entity to Armand. This was when the Type 201 was produced, a cheap car that was soon embraced by the French public. The next decade saw the release of the 301, a car that heralded the entry of the coupe cabriolet into the car market; featuring a retractable roof that is still used in the modern 206 model.

The thirties saw the production of the Type 402 Andreau. A car that incorporated aerodynamics in its design with curved wheel arches and a rather imposing fin at the rear. Once again this showed the company's penchant for technological advancement and elegant styling.

The cars in Peugeot dealerships have always been loved within France. It is a company that has used its influence within the French car market to spread and open dealerships across the world. Today the company is one of the world's leading car manufacturers and with companies such as Audi, Citroen and BMW is one of the most recognisable European motor industry brands.

About the Author

Motor industry specialist Thomas Pretty looks at the earliest cars present in Peugeot dealerships and the company's penchant for technology and style that continues to this day.

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