The 401 might be interpreted as Peugeot's reaction to Citroen's Traction Avant, although the Peugeot could not keep up with its technology. Indeed, Citroen's newer technology caused many problems, which were therefore unknown to the Peugeot. As is obvious from the picture on top, the design featured flow dynamics. The shape of the bodywork was subject to change, and it makes obvious that our modern electric folding roofs are not a new invention.
Beside the stream lined rear, the sedan exhibits a huge number of changes. She offers many different bodywork variations, two wheel bases, plus heating and radio. However, times were bad and after only one year of production, it was ceased. The 402 appeared only in 1937.