Peugeot, the PSA Group’s most successful brand, grew its sales significantly by 10.4% last year.
In stark contrast to the performances of siblings Citroën and DS, whose sales declined 7.5% and 38.5% respectively, Peugeot sold 2,119,845 cars across the 12 months. That’s more than two-thirds of PSA’s total.
Buoyed by this strong performance, Peugeot chief executive Jean-Philippe Imparato told Autocar how he plans to ride the wave of growing SUV demand while also preparing his brand for an increasingly electrified future.
What were the most significant reasons for Peugeot’s rapid sales growth last year?
“A key reason for last year’s success is that 45% of our global demand came from outside of Europe – that’s up from 38% in 2015. The target for the year 2020 is to grow this to 50% because I consider it very important for our global sales targets.
“If you look at the results for the 3008 model [259,300 units were sold last year], it shows we are also well placed in the SUV segment. People are asking for more SUV products like this and they are following us as we move into a more upmarket position.”
How does the 3008’s success affect the future product plan? “In 2017, we had more than 150% of the SUV sales that we’d had in 2016, so we know to push the SUV strategy harder. We will show you this year that we have some very interesting SUV projects.
“It will also help us to grow globally. In the 1960s, we built a reputation of reliability with SUVs in many markets. In the 21st century, I want to do things the same way – there is not a country or region I don’t want to be in. We recently opened in Vietnam with the 3008 and, each time I can do a new operation, our SUV line-up will head it.”
Join the debate
Peter Cavellini
By the Horns....
Nice to read a bullish story from a man who is so positive about the future of Cars.
Peter Cavellini.
Add your comment