Peugeot unveils diesel-electric car

Frances PSA Peugeot Citroen will unveil the worlds first diesel-electric car to take on Renault SA’s all-electric strategy as both French car makers play catch-up to Toyota Motor Corp. Peugeot, Europe’s second-largest automaker, will use the Paris Motor Show to push a hybrid version of its 3008 crossover hatchback, while Renault sets out its strategy for making battery-powered cars a mass-market success. Peugeot Chief Executive Officer Philippe Varin and Renault Nissan alliance CEO Carlos Ghosns face-off exemplifies industry divisions over the kinds of green technology consumers might embrace. Car makers are chasing market leader Toyota, whose 1997 gasoline-electric Prius was the worlds first hybrid. (September 29, 2010)