Gasgoo.com (Shanghai April 1) - Ever since the 307 hit the Chinese market in mid-2004, the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroën joint venture has managed to pull in strong sales numbers. From its Beijing headquarters, the JV has maintained constant growth over its near eight year history. However, a report appearing on the Internet News Agency today has confirmed that the JV will be moving its headquarters to Shanghai, as both Dongfeng and PSA look to increase their scale of cooperation.
Both companies made the announcement at a summit held in Beijing earlier this week, where they discussed the new Dongfeng PSA joint venture. Current Dongfeng Peugeot General Manager Wei Wenqing is tipped to head the new JV, which will absorb Dongfeng Peugeot's current commercial vehicles sales division. Lei Xin, head of commercial vehicle sales, did not make an appearance at the summit, leading many to speculate that he is no longer with the company.
The Beijing enterprises responsible for selling imported Peugeots and Citroëns in China have already been transferred over to Shanghai last year, which is also home to PSA's Asian headquarters and the new Changan PSA JV. It is hoped that moving the Dongfeng Peugeot headquarters will help further cut down on both logistics costs and administrative fees. PSA's first overseas design center, responsible for the Citroën Metropolis concept (pictured), also happens to be located in Shanghai.