23 06 2010International Peugeot Meeting - France
In this tremendous adventure that continues actively, we would like to remind you of Peugeot’s 200 years of presence in the Land of Montbeliard from where the development has started. Thus the reason why this bicentenary event has been organised in this beautiful region of France to which we are all very much attached.
The glittering array of restored vehicles from various eras just seems to bring out a feeling of kinship that transcends national borders and once again Club Peugeot Afrique du Sud were represented at this very special occasion, with our chairman and his wife attended.
This year 1025 participants from 17 countries gathered in Sochaux (where the Peugeot Museum is situated) with about 500 cars. The oldest being a Lion VA from 1906 and the latest entry some Peugeot 205’s from 1989.
On the first day, a tourist route took us to the Alsace region where another important production site was built. While driving on the route, participants without any doubt appreciate the cultural richness of this region including its great automobile history.
The first stop of the day was a visit to Eguisheim. This little town with a mere 1590 inhabitants is the cradle of the Alsace wine growing area and officially classed among the beautiful villages of France in 2003. It is a picturesque village where one can discover its courtyards, half-timbered houses and fountains with flowers on foot.
Routes then took us 48 km further to Mulhouse for a lunch stop and visit to “Cite de l’Automobile” the national museum known as the Schlumpf Collection. In an area of 25000 square meters visitors can view 400 cars divided in three areas, Automobile Adventure, Automobile Racing and Masterpieces of the Automobile with cars like the Bugatti Royale and many others.
The day was concluded back in Sochaux with a cocktail and the official inauguration of the new section of the Peugeot Museum by Mr Xavier Peugeot, Chairman of L’Aventure Peugeot.
On the second day, a historical round-trip took us to the Land of Montbeliard where we experienced the different historic sites which are witness to the history of Peugeot and still being present today in preparation of the future.
The route took us through the PSA Peugeot Citroën factory and also passed the Bonal Stadium. This is where, on instigation of Jean Pierre Peugeot, professional football was born in France. The stadium was named after Bonal to pay respect to Auguste Bonal, one of the factory directors who died in a concentration camp during World War I.
The route took us to Belchamp where the Technical Centre is situated (established in 1959). This centre is in the heart of a forest away from indiscrete eyes. The task of the Technical Centre is to realize all the experiments that are necessary for the study and perfection of future models of the two marques of the group and to validate the modifications made on the existing models.
Day and night, millions of kilometres are being run over the years by 130 drivers on 17 running circuits (including a high speed ring) comprising 32 kilometres in order to test each individual model. Belchamp is also the site where passive and active security tests are performed.
From Belchamp we proceeded along most of the historical buildings and factories of Peugeot such as Peugeot Japy, Beaulieu for cycles and motorbikes, Le Rocher – headquarters of l’Aventure Peugeot, Chateau du Bannot – Training Centre of the football profession Roland Peugeot. We just had to stop at the old factory building Site Terre’Blanche which is now converted to house the Centre of Archives and the reserves of the L’Aventure Peugeot Museum.
As Mr Thierry Peugeot commented to me in person: “…this stop might upset some participants before they are going to enjoy a tasteful lunch, in seeing all these potential “projects” patiently awaiting restoration”. Indeed so, even my dream choice was made for “shipment to South Africa” …and not one, but definitely two containers!
The saying goes “all good things come to an end” and indeed it was time to dress-up for the Gala Diner at Montbeliard in order to end such a historical weekend in style and glitter. With 10 really special Peugeots parked outside the foyer under spotlights, each one with an attractive model dressed to match the car, it was sad to realize this is to mark the end of the 200 year celebration.
All that was left was to trailer load/pack the cars on Sunday morning, the farewell to friends and even the wish from one of the organizers that the next 200 yr celebrations should be held in South Africa!!!
From Club Peugeot Afrique du Sud, we wish Peugeot the very best for the next 200 yrs!!
Text - Ian Loubser (Chairman: Club Peugeot Afrique du Sud)
