Saturday, April 25, 2009
PSA streamlines UK structure
PSA Peugeot Citroën has streamlined its UK back office management structure in a cost-cutting move that it expects to increase efficiencies through economies of scale.
Four directors have been appointed to head PSA’s activities across parts, aftersales, quality and training for both brands. Field teams will continue to be solus Citroën or Peugeot.
One dealer believes this could lead to further closer ties, and possibly a move to dual-brand Peugeot/Citroën franchised outlets. “The cars come off the same platform and it would seem to be a logical objective for the group,” he said.
Another dealer said: “I can see a potential benefit in economies of scale for PSA, its dealers and customers if this change is carried through in the right way. Most dealers in the two networks will be prepared to give this change a chance.”
Three of the four new directors come from Peugeot. David Higgins (parts) was previously in charge of Peugeot’s UK parts operation, and Andrew Bye (quality) had a corresponding responsibility for the manufacturer. His role also included customer relations.
Andrew Didlick (training) was previously a regional sales director (Peugeot has now dropped that job title) after moving from head of PR.
Stuart Hodge, the new PSA UK aftersales director, was until this month in that role only for Citroën. Bob Lenton has retired as Citroën UK replacement parts director.
Hodge and Bye report to Citroën UK MD Xavier Duchemin, and Higgins and Didlick to Peugeot UK MD Pierre Louis Colin.
Marc Raven, Citroën UK communications director, said: ”We see these changes as consistent with organisation at other multi-marque manufacturers and they will benefit dealers through economies of scale, greater experience and more support.”
Andrew Sutton, Peugeot’s UK public relations director, said: “These changes do not mean Peugeot and Citroën are merging. There are a certain amount of savings but this would have happened without a recession.“
DATED: 25.04.09
FEED: AM
Four directors have been appointed to head PSA’s activities across parts, aftersales, quality and training for both brands. Field teams will continue to be solus Citroën or Peugeot.
One dealer believes this could lead to further closer ties, and possibly a move to dual-brand Peugeot/Citroën franchised outlets. “The cars come off the same platform and it would seem to be a logical objective for the group,” he said.
Another dealer said: “I can see a potential benefit in economies of scale for PSA, its dealers and customers if this change is carried through in the right way. Most dealers in the two networks will be prepared to give this change a chance.”
Three of the four new directors come from Peugeot. David Higgins (parts) was previously in charge of Peugeot’s UK parts operation, and Andrew Bye (quality) had a corresponding responsibility for the manufacturer. His role also included customer relations.
Andrew Didlick (training) was previously a regional sales director (Peugeot has now dropped that job title) after moving from head of PR.
Stuart Hodge, the new PSA UK aftersales director, was until this month in that role only for Citroën. Bob Lenton has retired as Citroën UK replacement parts director.
Hodge and Bye report to Citroën UK MD Xavier Duchemin, and Higgins and Didlick to Peugeot UK MD Pierre Louis Colin.
Marc Raven, Citroën UK communications director, said: ”We see these changes as consistent with organisation at other multi-marque manufacturers and they will benefit dealers through economies of scale, greater experience and more support.”
Andrew Sutton, Peugeot’s UK public relations director, said: “These changes do not mean Peugeot and Citroën are merging. There are a certain amount of savings but this would have happened without a recession.“
DATED: 25.04.09
FEED: AM
