Peugeot is the only car company older than Hendy. It goes back to 1810, 49 years before Hendy was founded, and was a family run business for much of its history.
The oldest car company in the world started making saws and hand tools. Coffee and pepper grinders followed as well as umbrella spikes and corsetry. Peugeot grinders are still made and considered among the world’s best.
As with Hendy, it moved into making and selling bicycles. Cycles Peugeot would become one of the world’s biggest bicycle manufacturers. The first Peugeot car, a steam-powered three-wheeler, followed in 1889. A year later its first petrol car was launched.
Based in Sochaux, in eastern France, Peugeot would launch numerous iconic cars, such as the 403 (the Cabrio version was famously used by TV detective Colombo), the 504 – which you still see giving loyal service in North Africa – as well as the handsome and highly regarded 205 hatchback.
For many years, the 205 was France’s best-selling car and a big seller throughout Europe, including the UK. The GTI version was a hot hatchback legend, and the motorsport T16 version was highly successful in the World Rally Championship. Other Peugeot motorsport successes include the Dakar Rally, three wins in the Le Mans 24-hour race and even the Indianapolis 500 in America.
Peugeot has also enjoyed considerable commercial success, buying Citroën (1976), Chrysler in Europe (1978) and General Motors in Europe, which includes Vauxhall (2017). It was a leading player in creating the new Stellantis automotive group, which brought together Peugeot, Citroën, Fiat, Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Maserati, Jeep, Chrysler and DS. The Peugeot family is still involved in senior management, and remains a significant shareholder.
Peugeot is now renowned for its quality cars and its distinctive design, from the small stylish 208 to the 5008 SUV. Many come in electric and plug-in hybrid versions. Peugeot is also a renowned van maker, from compact Partner to the spacious Boxer – including electric versions.
Hendy currently represents Peugeot at 2 outlets.
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