Ford and PSA Extend Diesel Engine Partnership Beyond 2017
Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën will continue their joint development and production of small diesel engines, extending their longstanding alliance into the next generation of powertrains.
Ford and PSA Peugeot Citroën will extend their collaboration on small diesel engines, according to a report from Les Echos. The two manufacturers plan to continue joint development and production of the next generation of diesel powertrains, with an agreement expected before summer 2015.
The partnership, which has seen Ford and PSA share development and manufacturing of small diesel engines for several years, was originally set to conclude in 2017. However, both companies are now preparing to expand and prolong the agreement to cover the new DV-R engine family. These engines are scheduled for introduction in 2017 and 2018, replacing the current 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesel units used across both firms’ model ranges.
DV-R engine family to meet Euro 6.2 emissions rules
PSA has confirmed that the new DV-R diesel range will comply with the Euro 6.2 emissions standards, which take effect from 2017. The engines are designed to address tightening European regulations and the ongoing demand for efficient diesel powertrains, especially in France and other major European markets. Production will take place at PSA’s Douvrin plant in northern France, which is receiving a €60 million investment to boost annual capacity to around 640,000 engines. A second production module of similar size is planned for another French site after 2018.
- Production of DV-R engines at Douvrin to start in 2017
- Current Ford and PSA models to gradually adopt new units
- Engines intended to replace existing 1.4 and 1.6-litre diesels
Diesel engines remain a focus despite regulatory pressures
Despite increased scrutiny of diesel technology and the introduction of stricter emissions standards, both Ford and PSA continue to see value in modern diesel engines for their European line-ups. The DV-R project reflects ongoing demand for small, efficient diesels in segments where petrol and hybrid alternatives have yet to fully displace diesel’s market share.
The extension of the Ford-PSA partnership ensures continuity of supply for both manufacturers and supports ongoing investment in French engine production facilities. The move also positions both companies to meet new regulatory requirements without the need for separate, costly development programmes.
