Peugeot Sold Almost 1.1 Million Cars in First Half

Peugeot might be a French carmaker that used to be know for really compact cars, excellent for the narrow streets in Europe, but the company is making a clear switch of focus to other markets. This has helped it reach 1,091,000 vehicles sold globally in the first half of the year.

The proportion of sales made outside Europe increased to 44% compared with 41% exactly a year ago. The company did particularly well in Russia & Ukraine with volumes up 50% and a 0.2 point rise in market share, while in Latin America demand rose 19% and market share also jumped, finally. In China, with almost 81,000 vehicles sold, after the success of the 408 launched in 2010, Peugeot's growth was double that of the market (17% growth vs. 9% for the market as a whole).

Despite an unfavorable market mix in Western Europe, in France managed an impressive 220,940 new car sales – and a rise in the new car market share to 18%. In the Netherlands, the carmaker took top spot in terms of new car registrations in May and June. The brand is leader in the passenger car and light commercial vehicle segment in Denmark as well.

The RCZ Sports Coupe, 30,000 of which have been produced since launch just over a year ago, is continuing to advance with over 11,000 units sold in 2011. However, the main focus remains the 508, for which 45 000 orders have already been received, of which 50% are for high line models. Targets have been exceeded in several countries, including France, Germany, the UK and the Netherlands.