Peugeot UK Sales Rise 22.3 Percent in March

Peugeot started strong this year in the United Kingdom, the French automaker reporting sales up 22.3 percent in March as compared to the same month last year and a 31.5 percent rise year-to-date. Peugeot's results came in a market that went up 27.3 percent.

UK customers went for Peugeot's fuel efficient and environmentally friendly range of vehicles. The best sold models were the 107 city car and the 207 supermini, both of them increasing Peugeot's small car sales by 15.4 percent, year-to-date. Another popular Peugeot model among British customers was the compact 308, whose sales rose 21.8 percent. The 3008 crossover, winner of "What Car? Car of the Year 2010", sold in 2,500 units in March.

Both the Peugeot 3008 and the recently launched Peugeot 5008 continue to exceed expected sales objectives. The highly fuel efficient engines and the clever practicality of these models are well adjusted to the current economic climate. Diesel engines remained on top of UK customers' wishlist, with sales climbing 55.9 percent year-to-date in a diesel market segment which grew by 18.8 percent. Peugeot exceeded market growth also in retail (up 35.1%) and in fleet sales (up 28%) in the first quarter of 2010.

Sales of Peugeot light commercial vehicles are also on the up, the LCV department selling 2,632 units in March, which represents an increase of 41.4 percent on an LCV market up by 16.1 percent. The best sold LCV was the Bipper, whose fuel efficiency earned Peugeot a deal to provide the Royal Mail with 2,000 Bipper vans. Powered by Peugeot’s class leading 1.4 litre HDi 70 diesel engine and emitting 119 kg/km of CO2, it will help the Royal Mail reduce its fleet fuel costs and CO2 emissions.