Peugeot 201 / 301

The 201 was presented in the middle of the worldwide economic crisis and, nevertheless, became a success. Interesting was the invention of Peugeot's new series of names to identify its range of cars. This is to a large degree kept until these days (2006). The zero in the middle separated from now on the type from the series. The 201 was the first car named after the new concept and was especially simply constructed. Nevertheless, some space was left below the '2', (the '1') for perhaps an even more economical car. As we know now, a '1' series was indeed introduced, but it did take decades.

As you can see in the table on top, the range was strongly extended after the first three years. Peugeot's competition was fierce. Some car producers offered quite a bit more for just a little higher price, or underbid the 201 with comparable values. There were even cars which were offered below cost price. However, the Peugeot did not show any particular weaknesses, and its technique kept up well. It was fed by ancillary industries, e.g., also in Germany (bodywork).Due to the bad economical situation, Peugeot did not fully live up to its own just invented rules in terms of the name for its products. The 301 came in 1931; however, (shown in picture 2 as a coupe) it was a car with identical dimensions to the 201. Just its shape was a little more aerodynamic, it was equipped with an independent front suspension and a stronger engine. But, it became even more confusing. A little later the 201 series (pictures 3 and 4) copied these new features, and mixed up the pattern completely.

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