Peugeot PHL has set a record under the new distributor

New management at Peugeot The Philippines is reaping the rewards of its sincere efforts to revive the French automaker’s business in the country.

In a release, Astara’s leading distributor said it had set “record retail sales”, complemented by the rapid addition of new dealerships, and the unwavering release of models to strengthen Peugeot’s restructured local portfolio.

Year after year, the company’s overall car sales in the first quarter grew 89% – powered by the new Peugeot 5008 and the new Peugeot 3008, launched in January and February, respectively.

Meanwhile, the dealership network will soon be number seven, with the upcoming launch of four new facilities: Peugeot Alabang (operated by Automotive Icon, Inc.), Peugeot Balintawak (ANC Group), Peugeot Cebu (Gateway Group), and Peugeot Davao (Angcore) Group). . “Four dealerships are currently building their new showrooms, which are expected to open in the second half of the year,” the distributor said.

Raul Pichello, Managing Director of Stressed Peugeot Philippines, said: “We have continued to make progress with our plans since relaunching the brand in January, and this momentum is being driven by our global Peugeot car lineup which is helping us become a premium auto brand of our choice. Filipino.

“With our growing dealer family, we are fully committed to making the Peugeot brand accessible to more Filipinos across the country, allowing us to better serve them and their needs.”

It may be recalled that in an exclusive interview with “Veg”, Mr. Pisello stated that he had re-imagined Peugeot in the consideration set of Filipino vehicle browsers. “That’s what we want: stay on the radar.” “Until three months ago, we were not on the radar at all. Part of that is brand awareness. We spend a lot more on communication – and products. And for that I am confident that we have a proposal for the year and we are still working towards introducing more new models. The network is a fundamental pillar of this year’s strategy, and then the customer handling process. This is a key area of ​​our business strategy. “

The executive then explained that he believed there were “different opportunities” to present themselves. “The cars that we will launch this year, we will be in a much bigger, larger part of the market. However, staying there with one version is not enough. We need more versions, and we’re working on that. “

Joining the 5008, 3008, and Traveler, Peugeot Philippines unveiled the new 2008 SUV last week. The compact five-seater SUV is ready to fight in a particularly competitive (and profitable) segment and price point. Coming in four colors (Amazonite Gray, Pearl White, Nera Black and model-exclusive color Fusion Orange), the crossover is priced at P1.55 million.

Peugeot Philippine Brand Head Maricar Parco commented in a statement, “The new Peugeot 2008 completes our SUV lineup with the 5008 and 3008 for the Philippines. The three SUVs give Filipinos a unique experience that our Peugeot Global SUVs offer in three size options. Which meets the different needs and lifestyles of our customers. “

2008 is assembled in Malaysia’s Gurune Stalantis-owned manufacturing plant, which helps explain its very competitive price. Powering the car is an award-winning turbocharged 1.2-liter Puretech mill that delivers 130hp and 230Nm of power. The promise of performance is accessed through a “fast transfer” six-speed automatic transmission. Peugeot notes that “all vehicles manufactured at Gurun’s Stalantis manufacturing plant undergo specific endurance and quality testing in Malaysia to deliver the best-in-class performance for local conditions and to meet the needs of Southeast Asian customers.” 2008 has logged 200,000 kilometers of tests specifically in different situations.

Mrs. Parco previously stated that the firm intends to release four models this year, and 2008 is now the fourth in many months. Introducing the vehicle, Mr. Picello mentioned during the “Speed” interview, “2022 will be the activity,” adding, “But I want to bring more versions of these models that are equally important. I can’t say anything because we are not sure yet.”

The executive then stated that Peugeot would have its own wish list for publication “Of course (included) a pickup.” He commented, “This is about 20% of the Philippine market so it will be interesting. And then there’s what we call light commercials in Europe – that’s important. And that could present the opportunity. Stalantis is extremely powerful worldwide in commercial vehicles; Probably the strongest team in that division. And that’s where we want to see opportunities. But again, everything has to come slowly. The network will expand, the product will come. There are no overnight miracles. “- Cap Maseda Aguila