In 2016, Peugeot has announced its return to North America, targeting a decade to do so. The French carmaker then developed its roadmap to return to the United States, speeding up its plans in April 2019 hoping to come back to the market in 2023 instead of 2026.

The plan remains on track, according to a new report from The Detroit Bureau, even though the coronavirus pandemic has put the issue to the test.

The president of PSA North America, Larry Dominique, announced that Peugeot was maintaining its return date in 2023 during a speech at the annual management seminars of the Center for Automotive Research.

Dominique said the company is trying to establish how it wants to sell cars in North America, noting that PSA will use franchised dealerships. At the same time, it will rely heavily on online sales.

READ ALSO – New car registrations up 3.92% in July in France

The executive also said that declining customer satisfaction with the dealership sales model was one reason the company is looking to the Internet.

Customers want a “simpler and more efficient” car buying process, he added.

PSA’s return to the US happens as the company is letting the ink dry on a partnership agreement with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles. This deal is expected to be concluded in early 2021.

The new company, called Stellantis, will be the world’s fourth-largest automaker with annual deliveries of around 8.7 million vehicles.

READ ALSO – Is France heading towards a revival of night trains?

The 13 car brands in total will also be maintained, which could contribute to the way Peugeot sells its cars to its customers.

It is no secret that the company is opposed to the traditional dealer network. When the car manufacturer announced that it would speed up its return plan, it was clear that it would give up the traditional dealer network.

However, the manufacturer did not clarify its retail strategy, nor how it would allow potential customers to see and test drive the vehicles.

When the coronavirus pandemic struck and dealerships were closed, many rushed to meet customers online.

If buyers are looking for more convenient ways to buy a car, the return of Peugeot away from the sanctified dealership could be a winning formula.