PSA’s Peugeot Sport division plans to focus future efforts on plug-in hybrid technology, in an effort to maintain performance but reduce running costs in future hot hatchbacks and sports cars.

“I think hybrid will play an important role in the future of our sportier models,” Managing Director Carlos Tavares told Auto Express. “Hybrid technology helps you to make two apparently contradictory expectations converge. Currently the only technology that allows you to go to town in pure electric mode – but at the same time enjoy good acceleration, low CO₂ and high autonomy – is the plug-in. This is the direction we are taking. Hybrid technology is very much aligned with what we can foresee as the future of sports cars.”

The priority for PSA over the next few months is the completion of its turnaround plan. “The most important thing for the time being is focus on turning around the company,” said Tavares. “We need to make sure we have a wider business horizon by bringing the company to a global car maker that isn’t totally dependent on Europe.”

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Source: Auto Express