Automobiles Peugeot recorded a sales increase of 9.4% to 1,056,000 units in Europe in 2015, thanks in particular to the excellent performance of the Peugeot 308 (up 31%), supported by the solid results of the Peugeot 2008 (up 11% in its third consecutive year of growth) and the new Peugeot 208 (up 10%). The 2008 and 308 were both in the top three of their respective segments in Europe. The most significant gains were made in the Netherlands (up 25%), Spain (up 24%), Italy (up 21%), France (up 7%) and indeed Ireland (up 30%). Together with gains in China, the Middle East, Africa, Latin America, Eurasia and India-Pacific, this European robust growth is a clear illustration of the Peugeot brand’s continued comeback.
In China, Peugeot sales rose 6% to 408,000 units, placing Dongfeng Peugeot amongst the international brands with the strongest growth rate. This performance was underpinned by the success of the new Peugeot 408, sales of which increased by 68% in 2015 to more than 107,000 units. Also worthy of note was the continued success of the Peugeot 3008 and the Peugeot 2008 in the SUV line-up, with over 110,000 vehicles sold during the year.
The Middle East & Africa region represents the PSA Group's third largest market, where it has maintained its strong position in a number of historical markets, ranking first in Tunisia and second in Algeria and Morocco. Peugeot, which sold 117,000 units, advancing 2.3% over the year has strengthened its positions in Algeria, Morocco, Tunisia, the French overseas departments and in Israel. Sales increased significantly in Turkey (up 40%), Israel (up 67%) and Mashreq (up 26%), thanks in particular to the results of the Peugeot 208, 301 and 308.
In Latin America and Eurasia, the PSA Group sales continued to be impacted by a highly challenging economic environment. In these regions, the Group remained focused on its margins and the local integration of its manufacturing operations. Peugeot carried out several major launches in Latin America, introducing the Peugeot 2008 in Brazil over the course of the year and the new Peugeot 308 and 408 models in Argentina and Brazil in the last four months of 2015. Peugeot sales surged 34% in Mexico, and increased 4% in Chile, in a market down 14%.
In India-Pacific, the PSA Group sold 23,800 units in 2015 thanks to strong contributions from the Peugeot 2008 and 308 models. The 6.5% improvement was mainly driven by South Korea and Japan.
Maxime Picat, Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot brand said: "The brand's robust growth in 2015 — particularly in the fourth quarter, when its worldwide sales rose by 4.6% — shows that Peugeot has indeed made a comeback, led by efficient, dynamic and innovative products. This successful performance perfectly illustrates Peugeot's strategy and drive to become the best high-end volume carmaker."
Pictured: Sales of the Peugeot 308 grew by 31% in Europe in 2015
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