Latest news with #Peugeot308
Qatar Tribune
7 days ago
- Business
- Qatar Tribune
Europe's defence firms struggle to find workers as business booms
Agencies Pavel Cechal believes that the Czech company he works for could easily generate more business for its missile and drone engines to double its workforce, if only he could find the staff. His dilemma is shared by many defense companies in Europe, where governments are ramping up spending on ammunition, tanks and other arms in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's warnings that they should not rely so much on Washington. Cechal is vice president of operations at PBS Group, whose production facility in Velka Bites, a two-hour drive from Prague, employs 800 people. He is looking for more. 'If they were available on the labor market, we would hire most of them immediately. We have the business for it,' he told Reuters, adding the firm had raised wages by 8% last year and plans another 10% hike in 2025 to attract talent. 'We are now hiring at all levels of the company.' While the bloc's 800 billion euro ($896 billion) defence spending push is expected to create hundreds of thousands of jobs over the next decade, the specially trained AI engineers, data scientists, welders and mechanics required are in short supply. Reuters spoke to more than a dozen companies, recruiters, and workers who said that, along with hiking wages and benefits, arms makers are poaching from other sectors and seeking potential recruits among local pupils and students. PBS Group has taken a step beyond cooperation with schools and universities. Milan Macholan, chief executive of the Velka Bites production facility, said: 'We also started our own training school where we generate our own employees.' Since Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine, 78% of EU military procurement spending has gone outside the bloc, with the U.S. alone securing 63%, European Commission data show, partly because Europe's defense sector is fragmented between states. The EU plans to move a big chunk of that procurement to Europe and hopes its new Union of Skills training and hiring strategy will help fill the defence recruitment gap. In Russia, meanwhile, hiring by the well-funded arms sector is causing labour shortages elsewhere. Franco-German company KNDS, which manufactures the CAESAR self-propelled howitzer used in Ukraine, has expanded shifts at the company's main production site in Bourges in central France and is boosting hiring by 50% annually. Recruitment remains a key issue, said Nicolas Chamussy, managing director of KNDS France, adding that there was a limit to how much they could hike salaries. 'Don't forget that we're in a war economy, but we're also in an economic war. If our wages increase in an uncontrolled way, we'll be less competitive,' he said. AI experts who can develop autonomous weapons systems as well as people with expertise in products made in small volumes are in particular demand, industry participants said. 'We're not going to manufacture a CAESAR in the same way as a Peugeot 308. We have to master very, very specific know-how, which requires very particular skills. And those are rare on the job market,' said KNDS spokesperson Gabriel Massoni. A boost in defense spending to 3% of gross domestic product (GDP) from the current NATO target of 2% would require as many as 760,000 new skilled workers in Europe, management consultant firm Kearney said in a recent report. 'Defense policy independence in Europe would only be possible if the local share of defense spending were to increase dramatically, which in turn could further exacerbate personnel shortages,' Kearney partner Guido Hertel wrote in the report. Rheinmetall – Europe's largest ammunition maker – plans to increase its workforce by around 29%, or up to 9,000, by 2028, primarily with product developers, engineers, welders and electronics technicians, it told Reuters. Submarine and frigate builder Thyssenkrupp Marine Systems is seeking up to 1,500 workers for its shipyard in Wismar, northern Germany. It is scouring trade fairs but says shortages of STEM experts trained in mathematics, IT, or sciences are a challenge, a view shared by Leonardo in Italy. 'In the past, the fact that we offered secure, quality contracts was enough to guarantee our leadership, but today young people favor other sectors over industry,' said the aerospace and defense firm, which is looking to universities and technical schools. Godefroy Jordan, general manager at Headhunting Factory, a Paris-based recruiter, specializes in finding mechanics, systems engineers and technicians for some of France's 4,000 small and medium-sized defense industry suppliers. 'The people we're targeting are in jobs where they've never been headhunted, they don't even have a CV,' Jordan told Reuters. 'When we call them, they think it's a scam.' 'This isn't a problem of finances; it's a human resources problem because the skills aren't there,' he added. Emrullah Karaca, who has worked at the soon-to-be-closed Gifhorn plant of auto supplier Continental for 25 years, is pondering a switch to Rheinmetall, which operates a factory around 50 kilometers (30 miles) north. But the father of three, who has trained to become a machine operator specialized in plastics technology, was also considering other options without the three-hour commute. 'For 25 years I've had the luxury of ... getting to work within five minutes,' he said. Auto industry struggles have helped Czech ammunition and shell producer STV Group recruit some of the more than 200 people it aims to add to its Vysoke Myto facility, 155 kilometers (96 miles) from Prague, by the middle of next year, its chairperson, David Hac, said. 'With the situation in the automotive industry worsening, we are now, for the first time in a long time, in a situation where we can choose a little among the people.' Oliver Doerre, CEO of German sensor and radar maker Hensoldt, told Reuters the company welcomed former auto workers because they are used to just-in-time manufacturing. 'That's where we hope to gain expertise to support us on this path towards serial production, towards scaling up production,' he said.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Automotive
- Scottish Sun
Iconic hot hatchback to be REVIVED in UK four years after it was discontinued as exact date confirmed
Bosses have described the revived hatchback as 'fun to drive' U-TURN Iconic hot hatchback to be REVIVED in UK four years after it was discontinued as exact date confirmed Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) AN ICONIC hot hatchback is set to return to the UK, four years after it was discontinued, with its launch date now confirmed. Peugeot has confirmed that its highly anticipated sporty GTi version of the e-208 will be unveiled June 13. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 3 Peugeot's highly anticipated sporty GTi version of the e-208 will be unveiled on June 13 Credit: Handout 3 It will be its first since the GTi model was discontinued four years ago Credit: Peugeot 3 This will be Peugeot's first sporty electric car Credit: handout This will be the automaker's first GTi model since its predecessor - the Peugeot 308 - was discontinued in 2021. Little is known about the new features drivers can expect in the upcoming hatchback, but the popular car brand describes it as "fun to drive, agile, powerful – built to deliver an unforgettable driving experience." Excitedly, this will be Peugeot's first sporty electric car - with an aim to make their EVs much more fun. Alain Favey, Peugeot boss, said: "We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car." Naturally, Peugeot was asked whether the GTi line would be expanded — similar to VW — and if a variant with a combustion engine could be developed. He said: 'We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well. "We don't exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there's absolutely nothing planned in that sense.' Favey was adamant that bringing back the GTi would be one of his first priorities after taking over as Peugeot CEO — and it now appears he's kept his word. Autocar have suggested the e-208 GTi will use the same powertrain as the new Abarth 600e - which gets a 237bhp motor. It weighs 1625kg and delivers a 0-62mph sprint time of 6.2 seconds. The Abarth also boasts a 278bhp motor in the limited-edition Scorpionissima variant. This perhaps suggests a special edition, similar to the 208 GTi by Peugeot Sport. Better yet, the upcoming release of the e-208 GTi likely means a souped-up version of the Vauxhall Corsa Electric will also be on the cards - as the two models are twinned. It comes after an iconic car brand revealed its first look of its new hybrid model to start production later this year. And this stunning Porsche from the 1990s could be yours for an eye-watering price.
Business Mayor
26-05-2025
- Automotive
- Business Mayor
Peugeot to revive GTi badge with 208 hot hatch on 13 April
Peugeot will reveal a hot GTi variant of the electric e-208 supermini on the eve of the Le Mans 24 Hour race next month. The brand has confirmed that its long-mooted Alpine A290 rival, officially confirmed by Peugeot boss Alain Favey earlier this year, will be unwrapped on 13 June. It has given no details, but says it will be 'fun to drive, agile, powerful – built to deliver an unforgettable driving experience'. It will be the first GTi model since the previous-generation Peugeot 308 went off sale in 2021 and Peugeot's first sporty pure-electric car. Speaking to media recently, Favey said: 'I'm in a position to confirm that we will reintroduce the GTi on the e-208 as soon as possible. We've made the decision that Peugeot GTi will be reintroduced.' He added that it is a 'signal' about 'what it means to reconnect to our past, our history' and that it would link the French brand's road cars to its involvement in motorsport – particularly the World Endurance Championship, in which it fields the 9X8 hypercar. 'We want to continue to nurture the reputation of the brand for driving sensations and the fact that our cars produce particular driving sensations, either as a driver or as someone that is being driven in the car,' Favey said. As for a broader GTi line-up or a sporting model with a combustion engine, Favey suggested it will depend on customer feedback. He said: 'We will start with the 208 and [are] definitely listening to your inputs, or what our customers will say as well. 'We don't exclude that there might be other executions of the 208 GTi under the GTi badge, but for today there's absolutely nothing planned in that sense.' Confirmation of the GTi badge's return comes after Favey said that he would consider it as one of his first jobs since taking over as Peugeot CEO in February.
South Wales Argus
09-05-2025
- South Wales Argus
‘Beautiful' Pontypool grandmother tragically died in crash
Pauline Williams, 79, died following the collision on the A4042 dual carriageway in Pontypool between the McDonald's and New Inn roundabouts. Her husband of 58 years Brian Williams was taken to hospital with serious injuries and passed away three months later of natural causes. Raymond Charles was driving a Peugeot 308 with his wife Susan Charles in the passenger seat when he went into the back of the Ford Fusion in which Mr Williams was at the wheel and his wife beside him in the front passenger seat. Byron Broadstock, prosecuting, told Newport Crown Court: 'The defendant failed to adjust his speed and his vehicle collided with the victims. 'He had not applied his brakes – there were no marks on the road. 'We cannot say he was using excessive speed. 'It is the Crown's case that he failed to apply his brakes to the traffic ahead of him.' Charles, 79, of The Woodlands, Talywain, Pontypool pleaded guilty to causing death by careless/inconsiderate driving and causing serious injury by careless/inconsiderate driving. The crash occurred at 11.47am on Monday, August 7, 2023. Of his last three months alive, Mr Williams, from Talywain, spent five weeks of them in hospital being treated for injuries which included four broken ribs and burns to his head as well as suffering 'significant pain to his knee, hip and shoulder". In moving victim impact statements, Mr and Mrs Williams' children David, Helen and Alison paid tribute to them. 'Mum and Dad were such lovely people and were well known in the community,' they said. Described as a "devoted mother" and someone who had a dry sense of humour, Mrs Williams had worked as a chemist in a laboratory and later as a Co-op store assistant. Mr Williams had been a keen cricketer in his younger years and his wife would come and watch him and help make tea for the players. 'Mum was such a beautiful person and Dad's life was nothing without Mum,' they added. 'Our hearts have been ripped out. 'We hold no grudge against Raymond Charles. 'I'm sure he and his family have suffered too.' The family urged the judge not to send the defendant to prison. Nigel Fryer, mitigating, said his client wanted to pass his condolences on to the family and told the court he would have to live with what he had done. His barrister said: 'He simply didn't see the vehicle and that lack of concentration had devastating consequences. 'The many references speak highly of a thoroughly decent, pleasant and generous man.' The defendant had no previous convictions or any driving endorsements. Referring to the victim impact statements, Judge Carl Harrison told the defendant: 'What was particularly touching was what they said in relation to you Mr Charles.' He added: 'Mrs Williams was very much loved. She enjoyed life and will be much missed and was loved in the community where she lived. 'What happened on August 7, 2023 was truly a tragedy. 'The family have had the double grief of losing both parents.' He added that the defendant had "a momentary lapse of concentration". Charles was jailed for 21 weeks but the sentence was suspended for 12 months. The defendant was banned from driving for two years and will have to sit an extended test. He must pay £1,000 costs and a £156 victim surcharge.
Telegraph
09-05-2025
- Automotive
- Telegraph
Ask the expert: What is the best replacement for a troublesome Peugeot?
My Peugeot 308 broke down after displaying a 'low oil' warning. The garage noted issues with the wet timing belt, which was replaced and the oil feed cleared. I have a dilemma now – face another (presumably) big bill if this sort of fault happens again, or bite the bullet and look for something more reliable. Reliability is a key priority, though cost is also a concern. I favour estates for the boot space. I usually go for petrol but would consider a hybrid. What do you suggest? – DD Dear DD, In these 'wet belt' engines, the timing belt runs in the oil but may eventually degrade and contaminate the lubricant. At least on this occasion the oil starvation wasn't so significant as to cause engine damage. However, it's never a good idea for any engine to run with reduced oil pressure for any length of time, with the consequent fears for long-term reliability. That, combined with the prospect of more wet belt reliability issues (or, at the very least, costly replacement at regular intervals) leads me to suggest it probably is time to get rid of your 308. What to replace it with? You don't mention a budget, but if you can afford it my immediate thought would be a Toyota Corolla Touring Sports. If you're after reliability, Toyota sits at the top of the tree, while its warranty offer of up to 10 years is the best in the business. The 2.0-litre version offers more poke than the slightly anaemic 1.8. Prices for a tidy example with average mileage and a full history start at about £15,000. If that's a bit steep, how about a Kia ProCeed? It has been a bit forgotten in recent years, but its stylish looks hide a surprising amount of practicality; with the balance of a seven-year warranty and a solid reliability record, a ProCeed should be dependable. The 1.4-litre petrol turbo is respectably peppy, too. You'll have to pay at least £12,000 for a tidy example with decent mileage; I found a 2019 model with a full history and 53,000 miles for £12,445 If you require even more practicality, the Skoda Octavia Estate has a boot that's even larger than that of your 308. Go for a 1.4-litre with a recent timing belt change and a good history – you should be able to find one in plush SE L specification for about £11,000. Granted, the Octavia's reliability record isn't quite as solid as the Kia or Toyota. But the payoff is that the interior is slightly smarter, the ride is more comfortable – and, of course, the boot is much bigger. All of these would make a worthy replacement for your not-so-trusty Peugeot – but if reliability and running costs are key, the Toyota would be my choice.
