Peugeot P4
| Industry | Automotive |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | France |
| Products | Automobiles, including military vehicles such as the Peugeot P4 |
The P4 is a non-armored off-road vehicle utilized by the military of France. Initially produced by Peugeot, manufacturing was later transferred to Panhard. This model is a licensed adaptation of the military version of the Mercedes-Benz G-Class and is planned to be succeeded by Panhard's Petit Véhicule Protégé (PVP). Peugeot’s licensing agreement limited exports exclusively to nations with defense treaties involving France.
History
During the late 1960s, the French military aimed to replace its fleet of 10,001 Hotchkiss M201 Jeeps with a smaller four-seat vehicle capable of carrying radio gear and being suitable for air transport.
In the 1970s, Peugeot and Mercedes formed a partnership to co-develop the vehicle on an equal basis. Peugeot contributed the engine from the Peugeot 504 and transmission from the Peugeot 604, while integrating these into the Mercedes G-Class chassis. Peugeot was responsible for electrical installations, welding, and painting, whereas Mercedes took charge of other components. Final assembly took place at Peugeot’s Sochaux facility. After rigorous trials, including a rally in southern Algeria, production commenced.
The French Army initially placed an order for 15,000 units but scaled it back to 13,500 by 1981 as part of force reductions. Starting in 1985, production shifted to Panhard in Marolles-en-Hurepoix, where approximately 6,000 vehicles were manufactured. In 2016, surplus P4s were transferred to Cameroon's special forces.
A civilian variant was offered but experienced limited market success due to its high price and relatively low power-to-weight ratio.
In 2016, as a temporary replacement for the P4, the French military acquired 500 Technamm Masstech T4 VLTP VP vehicles.
P4D
Around 1,300 petrol-powered P4s were converted into diesel versions known as P4D (P4 Diesel) in 1992 by Panhard and the Établissements régionaux du matériel. These models retained the original’s 2.5-liter Peugeot four-cylinder diesel engine.
P4P
The armoured variant named P4 P (P4 Protégé) was produced in limited numbers during the 1990s by CBH Institutions at Peugeot’s request, with 80 units constructed. It underwent evaluation by the French Army and was adopted by the Navy for protecting sensitive locations. Five distinct versions were developed:
- P4 CBH AKIS 2400
- P4 CBH SUPER AKIS 2850
- P4 CBH 3120
The numeric designations correspond to different wheelbase lengths. Certain armored CBH models were deployed in Lebanon.
During an endurance test in November 1988 with the GIGN, the armored P4 CBH AKIS completed a distance of 3,180 km within 24 hours at an average velocity of 132.5 km/h while carrying four personnel. This version was powered by a CBH-modified 2.5-liter turbocharged engine producing 150 hp.
P4 VPS
The P4 VPS is a special forces adaptation commissioned from Panhard by the DGA in 2005, with a total of 51 units supplied. It features reinforced flooring designed to protect against landmines and is compatible with air transport via C-160 Transall or C-130 Hercules aircraft.
P4 VIPAIR
Developed by Arquus in 2016, the P4 VIPAIR (Véhicule d'Intervention et de Projection Air) involved modifying 19 P4 ASPIC vehicles for use by the French Air and Space Force. The program concluded on October 15, 2020.
Users
- : A total of 120 units delivered, including TRM2000 trucks alongside Peugeot P4 SUVs.
Previous Operators
- : Utilized formerly by the French armed forces; superseded by the Technamm Masstech T4 VLTP NP model post-2016.