- The link between PSA and Dongfeng is becoming stronger and stronger in order to provide support to the French group that is currently having some difficulties. Was there an alternative to this combination? Could another manufacturer have formed a complementary pair with PSA? Let us analyse the case of the Japanese manufacturer Honda which presents some interesting signs of resemblance with PSA.

- Worldwide in 2013, the Honda group produced about 4.2 million vehicles with a balanced distribution between Asia (49.6%) and America (46.5%). For its part PSA produced 2.6 million vehicles mainly sold in Europe (68.6%) and to a lesser extent in Asia (20.6%) and South America (10.6%).

- By sales region, PSA is mainly present in Europe, with a market share of 11% in 2013. While Latin America and China each account for 3% of sales. As for the Honda group, it’s especially strong in Japan (14% market share) and in the USA (10% market share). In China, Honda is present but with a much lower market share (4% of the market).

- The brand positioning of both groups is quite similar since each group has at least one general brand (PSA group with Peugeot / Citroen and the Honda group with Honda) and a premium brand (PSA with the DS brand and Honda with Acura).

- In terms of model ranges, PSA focuses on vehicles from segments A / B / C in sedan and minivan versions, while Honda is present in vehicle segments C / D / E in sedan, SUV and coupes. Both manufacturers rely heavily on hybrid engines and likewise have abandoned electric vehicles.

  

- The Italian car market reached a volume of 1,303,534 passenger cars in 2013 , representing a decrease of 7% against 2012 , which had already declined by 20% compared to 2011. Since 2007, the Italian market has lost nearly 1.2 million passenger cars, representing a decrease of 48 % which means that the market has lost nearly half of its volume in seven years.

- This decline was principally a result of the Fiat group size reduction.  Fiat group is the leading  carmaker in Italy, with a market share of about 30 %. Fortunately, the Fiat Group has acquired the Chrysler Group (which is progressing since 2011). Without this purchase Fiat group  would have probably disappeared.

- The Volkswagen Group is second on the market (14%), ahead of Renault -Nissan (11%), PSA (9%). GM (7%) and Ford (7%).
Americans have declined significantly in recent years.

- The model most sold in the Italian market in 2013  was the Fiat Panda ( 100,121 units ), followed by Fiat Punto (64,315 units), the LanciaYpsilon ( 46,251 units), the Fiat 500 ( 42,314 units) and the Fiat 500L ( 38,231 units).