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NEWS
Six new Pugs in next 10 months
Peugeot planning massive new model rollout and dealer network expansionPeugeot will launch six new models between now and mid-2014, starting with the all-new 208 GTi hot hatch this week.
To support the new model rollout over the next 10 months, the French brand will increase its Australian dealer network by 20 per cent, from the 38 current retailers to 46 by the middle of next year, and attempt to grow its fleet business to 15 per cent of sales.
Peugeot Automobiles Australia Director Bill Gillespie said disenfranchised Opel dealers were already being canvassed as potential outlets for the Parisian car-maker, following the announcement late last week that GM’s German brand will turn its back on Australia.
“I can tell you we’ll be targeting Opel dealers who will be looking for a new franchise in the next two weeks,” he said.
Following this week’s 208 GTi launch will be the release of Peugeot’s most important model in Australia this year, the 2008 crossover, in October.
“The 2008 will be a winner here if early UK sales are any indication,” said Gillespie.
While the 2008 has the potential to be Peugeot’s top-selling model in SUV-mad Australia, it will be followed by facelifts of the 3008 crossover and 5008 people-mover in March.
Peugeot’s most powerful road car ever, the RCZ R coupe, will follow a month later in April priced at around $75,000.
Gillespie said PAA is waiting on final pricing from Paris, but the 199kW RCZ R would be priced “competitively” and available in strictly limited numbers.
“RCZ R will be a powerful statement that we’ll leverage heavily,” he said.
Rounding out the influx of new Peugeots between now and mid-2014 will be the redesigned 308 small-car, which is due here next July following its world debut at the Frankfurt motor show.
Gillespie used this week’s 208 GTi launch to reiterate Peugeot’s commitment to the Australian market, where it has been represented for 60 consecutive years.
“Unlike some other brands we intend to stay and grow our market share,” he said.
Peugeot sold 5071 vehicles in Australia last year (just 60 more than Renault and three per cent down on its 2011 tally) but so far this year has been overtaken by its French arch-rival with 2959 sales – 20 fewer than at the same point last year.
What’s coming from Peugeot:
208 GTi – August
2008 – October
3008 facelift – March 2014
5008 facelift – March 2014
RCZ R – April 2014
308 redesign – July 2014
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Written byMarton Pettendy
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