The first electric Peugeot 208 produced in Trnava. (source: TASR)
The automotive industry in Slovakia and beyond is facing several challenges. These include Brexit as well as the need for innovations driven by autonomous transport, and requirements for dramatic reduction in CO2 emissions.
“The only answer for meeting emission quotas is a significant increase in electric cars,” said Ľubomír Kollár, personal manager of the Trnava-based Groupe PSA factory.
In line with that belief, Groupe PSA promises to produce an electric version of each of its models by 2025. The new generation Peugeot 208 will be available in electric, petrol, and diesel versions.
The first electric Peugeot 208 rolled off the production line in the western-Slovak town of Trnava on March 27. This was the first electric vehicle ever manufactured here.
Experts see the production launch of another electric car in Slovakia as good news. They believe that it will also motivate local car makers’ suppliers to transform. Suppliers can begin to develop and produce electric car components for the car makers already operating in Slovakia and other countries.
“Slovakia too can participate in the development of e-mobility and address all the challenges it brings,” analyst Martin Jesný of Revue Priemyslu magazine told The Slovak Spectator. He added that all mobility would undergo revolutionary changes in the near future.
