Spring renewal for Peugeot Down Under

Peugeot's local stocks are set for a Spring renewal with the arrival of key new models in September and October. A facelifted version of the Partner small LCV, an auto variant of the Expert van and the first models in all-important all-new 208 range will all go on sale Down Under before the end of October.

That's the overview from Peugeot Automobiles Australia boss, Bill Gillespie. Mr Gillespie outlined the French marque's forecasts, planning and volume aspirations for the local marketplace in Melbourne this afternoon.

According to Mr Gillespie, the new 208 will arrive in both three- and five-door variants in time for the Australian International Motor Show in Sydney. He says Australia is slated for three- and four-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine 208s as well as a turbo 1.6-litre model. Five-door 208s will feature the atmo engines, with the turbo 1.6 only offered initially in a special three-door 'Feline' variant.

Hot hatch fans can rejoice, however, 208 GTi turbo-petrol model will come Down Under, says Mr Gillespie -- though not until May 2013 at the earliest.

No turbodiesel 208 models will be offered Down under -- at least for the time being. Peugeot has also taken the decision to kill lower-spec, price-leading variants of the stylish new Light car.

Mr Gillespie says three-door 208s will be positioned and marketed separately from the more mundane five-door models. In addition to the Feline and GTi three-doors, a third 'XY' variant will push the offering further towards the sports-prestige end of the segment. The XY and GTi will both debut at this year's Paris Motor Show.

Sports and Performance is a theme and positioning Peugeot will seek to capitalise upon as it seeks to re-establish its sales volume Down Under, says Mr Gillespie.

By the end of June, Peugeot had registered just 2639 cars Down Under this year -- 8.3 per cent less than the same period in 2011. But Mr Gillespie says the shortfall from the company's half-year goal of 3000 units was a result of short stocking and run-out activities rather than lack of demand.

"The gap for us was 4008 supply. We thought we'd get supply in May and June but we didn't get supply until so late in June that retails and wholesales flowed into July. We've also got 207 in run-out and automatic [transmission] supply restrictions on 308 [which also cost us volume].

"So we ended up around 300 short of our 3000 goal but we understand where the shortages were," he concluded.

Mr Gillespie says the company is, however, confident of reaching its 6500 unit target for the full year. By way of comparison, in 2011 Peugeot registered 5220 cars – it was the fourth consecutive year of decline.

"In the second half of the year we want to grow the business on the back of 4008 supply, new 208 and new light commercial vehicles...."

The new Peugeot LCVs are a facelifted Partner MPV and a new Expert variant which will feature the same six-speed autobox as used in Peugeot's luxury midsizer, the 508.

"It will be priced around the $37,000 mark – well under equivalent European vans in auto and diesel.

"We think it will have good potential for us," Mr Gillespie said.

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