Toyota is nearing a deal to acquire light commercial vans from PSA/Peugeot-Citroen's Sevelnord factory in France, according to a report by French daily La Tribune. The purchase agreement entails Toyota buying between 5,000 and 10,000 vans annually from the plan starting 2013. Toyota would then badge the vehicle with its own brand, according to La Tribune, citing source privy to the matter. Sevelnord, a joint venture between PSA and Fiat, has been threatened with possible closure after the Italian carmaker confirmed plans to withdraw from the partnership. PSA recently announced the closure of another factory in France as well as the termination of services of around 8,000 employees, but remained hopeful that the Sevelnord plant, which is home to Peugeot 807 and Citroen C8, could still survive even after Fiat’s exit. According to Sevelnord manufacturing chief Denis Martin, the plant’s future depends on finding a new partner as well as and getting concessions from the plant’s unions. In April, then French President Nicolas Sarkozy that PSA and Toyota were holding talks to production at the Sevelnord plant after Fiat's departure. [source: Automotive News - sub. required]
Toyota nears agreement to buy vans from PSA’s Sevelnord, France plant
by Gerald Ferreira, Email, 23 Jul, 2012
