This new body has the task of detecting, experimenting and transforming opportunities into new businesses for the Group, particularly with regard to mobility and digital issues.

The Business Lab is part of the deployment of the Push to Pass strategic plan, thanks to which the PSA Group aims to become a car manufacturer with cutting-edge efficiency, as well as the preferred mobility provider worldwide.

Anne Laliron, director of the Business Lab (pictured above) explained: “It is based on three main activities:

● Business Innovation Hub: to detect business and technological innovations, by promoting interactions with innovative ecosystems, at a world level, and by being the privileged entry point for start-ups;

● Business Factory: to carry out full-scale experiments of new value proposals for its customers; and

● Venture Development: to facilitate the creation of partnerships with innovative start-ups; to take minority stakes through capital risk funds and directly.

Laliron added: “As part of its venture development activity, The Business Lab, a true new-business detection and transformation entity, has signed a partnership agreement with Idinvest Partners, leader in growth financing for European companies with over €7 billion under management, including €2 billion dedicated to the financing of start-ups.

“This Business Lab will allow the PSA Group to structure and accelerate partnerships with start-ups, to offer our customers unique mobility experiences.

“I am pleased to be able to count on the support of our partner, Idinvest, in this approach."

At the same time PSA Group has launched a Batch Mobility program aimed at entrepreneurs with a project relating to mobility solutions.

Applications to join the Batch Mobility program are welcomed up to 18 January 2017. The five finalists will be accompanied in their projects by PSA Group and EuraTechnologies for 80 days.

This launch of international applications is open to individual entrepreneurs or teams and emerging start-ups.

From 30 January 2017, the finalists will join the Lille offices of EuraTechnologies, the 1st largest start-up incubator in France and among the top 10 start-up accelerators in Europe.

The finalists will be given:

● around 15 themed training sessions (for example: pitch management, lean start-ups, the start-up's DNA, brand and marketing the offer, raising capital, etc.);

● meetings with experienced entrepreneurs, business line experts and business angels;

● mentorship by entrepreneurs or other partners of EuraTechnologies in France or abroad; and

● coaching by EuraTechnologies and advice from PSA Group experts- access to partners' offers (Microsoft, Amazon Web services, etc.).

Batch Mobility, part of the Start by Euratech programme, is a new stage in the partnership set up in 2014 between PSA Group and EuraTechnologies. By bringing together the various players, this collaboration allows participants to anticipate new trends, in particular in the area of mobility.