PSA Group has announced its intentions to invest €213 million in its factory in Mulhouse, France, where it currently produces the Peugeot 508 and the DS 7 Crossback. Unnamed sources claim the money will bring the new Peugeot 308 to the market.
The company limits itself to saying that the investment will help launch a ‘3 series model in 2020 – 2022’. This could be referring to the next-gen Peugeot 308, which is scheduled for launch in the spring of 2021. The current generation ships in estate and hatchback variants, but rumor insists an SUV will be joining them soon.
Since that niche is already occupied by the 3008, the newcomer might end up being just a raised hatchback with mild off-road styling. It will allegedly come out in 2022 and be available in the United States, too, because Peugeot intends to return to that market with the assistance of its newfound relative, Fiat Chrysler Automobiles.
Furthermore, the source claims the 308 will be receiving an all-electric powertrain, among other options. If true, it will likely be similar to that of the e-208. PSA Group eventually plans to electrify its entire product range, so this is somewhat expected.
The second generation of the Peugeot 308 debuted at the 2013 Frankfurt Motor Show and received its mid-life update a couple years ago (see the gallery and the video). The production currently takes place in Sochaux, France.