How the Peugeot Family Survived a Century of Car Industry Turmoil

The Peugeot family has run their business for over 200 years, surviving two world wars, nationalizations, and near-bankruptcy. In this episode, Lucas and Luna explore how a family-owned automaker from eastern France navigated the rise of mass production, the oil crises, and the 2008 financial crash to become Europe's second-largest car manufacturer. We look at the key decisions—like the split from Peugeot Cycles, the creation of the 205 model that saved the company in the 1980s, and the controversial merger with Fiat-Chrysler that created Stellantis in 2021. We also discuss how the family maintained control through a holding company structure and a family constitution that keeps descendants involved but not meddling. Specific numbers: Peugeot family still controls 22% of voting rights in Stellantis, and the company sold 6.5 million vehicles in 2025. This episode is about how a family business can pivot, survive, and even thrive when the industry changes radically around them. #Peugeot #FamilyBusiness #AutomotiveIndustry #FrenchBusiness #Stellantis #CarIndustry #IndustrialHistory #FamilySuccession #BusinessSurvival #200YearOldCompany #EuropeanCars #FiatChrysler #Peugeot205 #HoldingCompany #FamilyConstitution #Business #FexingoBusiness #BusinessPodcast Keep every episode free: buymeacoffee.com/fexingo