Peugeot 3008 'wrongly positioned'
VFACTS category change for small French crossoverPeugeot’s pioneering 3008 crossover has not only been restyled and respecified for 2015, but it's Australian market segment has been altered, too.
Since its 2010 debut the slow-selling small front-drive wagon has been classified as a hatch, however, with its mid-life makeover Peugeot Automobiles Australia applied – and was granted – official industry reclassification to SUV status.
Speaking at the facelifted vehicle’s local launch this week, PAA general manager John Startari said: “When 3008 was first introduced, it was among the first front-wheel drive SUVs on the market. We positioned it against hatches, which was the wrong decision.
“Now, market acceptance of a two-wheel drive crossover is significant and we have repositioned the 3008 against small SUVs as a result.”
The process involved a formal application to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI), but apart from a batch of paperwork, no changes were required to the vehicle to meet the ‘Small SUV’ standard set by industry sales statistician VFACTS.
“To be honest, it [the 3008] fits the SUV category better,” Startari added.
Whether or not its sales category change — along with the mid-life styling refresh, range simplification, upgraded specification and improved value – can add to the 3008’s meagre 2014 tally of just 29 sales remains to be seen.
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