PSA Sheds Some Eastern European Import Distribution

VIENNA – In an unusual move, French automaker PSA Peugeot Citroen is selling some of its European import subsidiaries.

In February, Swiss car importer and retailer Emil Frey Group took over PSA’s import subsidiaries for Peugeot, Citroen and DS vehicles in Hungary, Croatia and Slovenia following a deal signed in November 2015.

Earlier this month, PSA finalized another deal with Emil Frey Group in which the company will take over PSA’s national sales companies Peugeot Ceska republika and Citroën Ceska republika in the Czech Republic as well as Peugeot Slovakia and Citroen Slovakia, effective July 1.

At the same time, ESSOX, a Czech sister company of the French bank Societe Generale, agrees to buy PSA’s finance arms in both countries.

Peugeot sold 7,156 cars in Czech Republic last year, making the brand No. 9 in the market. Citroen sold 5,044 and ranked 12th. In Slovakia, Peugeot was No. 5 with 4,472 deliveries while Citroen was No. 9 with 2,674.

Both brands also are significant players in the light-commercial-vehicle segment.

Emil Frey already is the Czech Republic importer for Subaru cars and also operates retail outlets in the country. It currently has no activities in Slovakia.

PSA is selling distribution companies in countries where it operates car plants. It has a 50:50 joint venture with Toyota in Kolin, Czech Republic, and a wholly owned subsidiary in Trnava, Slovakia.