The European Car of the Year is Peugeot 208. We at Hidria also helped this victory with our innovations. For this award-winning model, we produce key parts of the aluminium steering system and diesel engine cold start systems.

Hidria’s aluminium steering rod housing significantly improves the manoeuvrability, economy and environmental friendliness of this year's winner among European cars. The systems for the new Peugeot 208 have been produced by the Hidria Alutec business unit in Koper from the middle of last year, and the production will continue until 2028, for the duration of the contract with this important French company.

Models with electric motors and petrol and diesel engines are available. The latter is labelled BlueHDi and equipped with our diesel engine cold start systems produced by Hidria Dieseltec in Tolmin; these help to achieve a faster and more reliable start of the engine and a cleaner exhaust of the new Peugeot 208.

The European Car of the Year was selected by 60 journalists from 23 countries. In the end the majority voted for Peugeot 208. As in the finals this compact city car beat many important models, such as BMW Series 1, Porsche Taycan, Tesla 3, Ford Puma, Renault Clio and Toyota Corolla, Peugeot’s victory is an important recognition for Hidria, its quality and innovation.