Paris, France – PSA Peugeot Citroën and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (MMC) have announced the start of a joint feasibility study on an extended collaboration in the field of electric powertrains. The project, which will run over several months, relates to the development, manufacture and use of an electric powertrain for small urban vehicles.

The new agreement reinforces the bonds between the two manufacturers, who recently began construction of a joint factory in Russia.

PSA Peugeot Citroën is the largest global manufacturer of electric vehicles to date, with more than 10,000 units sold. MMC, which aims to become one of the leading car manufacturers of electric vehicles, has prioritized development of its i MiEV electric minicar, which it will launch in the Japanese domestic market in 2009 with a possible future introduction to Europe and the U.S. It has also set up Lithium Energy Japan, a joint venture with GS Yuasa, to supply large-capacity, high-performance lithium ion batteries for the vehicle.