At its stand in Frankfurt, Peugeot is putting its premium models under the spotlight, a definitive illustration of the marque's strategic upmarket shift.
After a successful launch in Europe in the first half of 2011 (with 57,000 sales by the end of June), then its release onto the Chinese market in August, the 508 is reaffirming the Marque's ambitions regarding one of its historical territories, the grand touring car.
Through its appealing styling, the impressive environmental credentials of its extensive range of engines and cutting-edge technology, along with its pleasant on-board surroundings and the driving experience it provides, the 508 (sedan or Touring) offers a modern range at one with the aspirations of its dynamic, responsible and discerning customers.
Since its highly-anticipated launch in spring 2010, the RCZ sports coupé has exceeded expectations, and has taken pole position among sports coupés in its class in Europe.
In Frankfurt, the dynamism of the RCZ is revealed with: a limited-edition "Asphalt" version which is distinguished from the standard 200 hp version by its Telluric matt grey bodywork, its two-tone 19" wheels and many distinctive "Asphalt" features and a 200 bhp 2.0 l HDi version, which was victorious at the 2011 "24 Hours Nürburgring" in the diesel category, and is the current diesel category leader in the German VLN Endurance Championship.
Demand for the 3008 SUV continues to impress with sales up in the first half of 2011 (74,000) which are once again on the increase with a demand mainly for the range-topping versions.
Even before the arrival of the 3008 HYbrid4 on the market, the 3008, and the effective way in which the 5008 compact MPV complements it, is enabling Peugeot to stake its claim as a key player in the highly-competitive "midsize" market.
In response to and anticipation of emerging mobility requirements, Peugeot is introducing a new vision, with concrete responses to the challenges of the automotive new world order.
- Mu by Peugeot is a "new generation" rental scheme which offers customers, whether they own a vehicle or not, a rental vehicle from the Peugeot ranges for a period of their choice: private vehicle, commercial vehicle, scooter, bicycle and accessories.
Due to the variety of its range, now enhanced by electric vehicles, its ease of use and its contained tariffs, Mu by Peugeot already has more than 8,000 customers in eight European countries.
The Marque forecasts the deployment of 75 new Mu sites per year, with an objective of 300 sites across Europe by 2013.
At Frankfurt, Peugeot is presenting its pan-European online services. Peugeot Connect has three features: Peugeot Connect SOS emergency callout, Peugeot Connect Assistance breakdown assistance and Peugeot Connect Fleet for fleet management services.
Available as an option or as standard on almost all range models, Peugeot Connect strengthens Peugeot's leading position in matters of tertiary safety.
Already a leader in tertiary safety, Peugeot's objective for 2011 is to exceed 600,000 vehicles equipped with the emergency call equipment.
Peugeot Scooters, the longest–standing manufacturer of motorised two-wheelers in the world and fourth European marque in 2010, is following an ambitious development plan and now includes 22 models between 50 and 500 cc. In 2011, Peugeot Scooters is launching the electric e-Vivacity and the 125 cc CityStar.
For Peugeot, the bicycle represents a history of 120 years of passion. The new Peugeot Cycles range, boasting more than 50 models, is tailored to wide-ranging requirements.
An exclusive interpretation from the Peugeot Design Centre, the Design Lab DL-121 exhibited at Frankfurt is a limited production run concept bike which, with its coppered finish, brings a new dimension to the world of cycling. The e-bike AE-11 in the Allure range, brings ride enjoyment with its innovative soft feel and very reliable Panasonic Li-ion manganese12 Ah battery.
In the first half of 2011, this dynamic approach has enabled Peugeot to:
- record 1,091,000 sales worldwide and to accelerate its internationalisation,
- launch the 508 successfully in Europe, then in China,
- update its range at the heart of the market through the very favourable reception given to the new 308,
- reduce the overall carbon footprint of its product range further,
- accelerate the deployment of the highly-innovative and unique Mu by Peugeot mobility scheme.