Peugeot wins LMS in Sliverstone 1000KM

[Plex]

No surprise as Peugeot pulls out of UK

The decision to close Peugeot's factory in Ryton next year has dealt yet another blow to Britain's car industry.
But the resulting job losses - including 2,300 Peugeot workers and up to three times that in the West Midlands's supply industry - had been widely expected.

"In a way, it is surprising it has lasted so long," observes Jay Nagley, automotive analyst with the Spyder Automotive consultancy.

"There was no justification for the UK factory."

Two months ago, the UK government was involved in talks aimed at securing the plant's future, though it seems few, if any, expected the world's sixth-largest automotive group, PSA Peugeot Citroen, to go on making cars at the Ryton plant once the Peugeot 206 model reached the end of its life.

Peugeot blamed "high production and logistical costs" for its decision.

Nevertheless, although its successor, the 207, was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in February and is due to hit the road this spring, the 206 model will not be ditched just yet.

The popular 206 has already clocked up sales of more than five million vehicles since it was unveiled seven years ago. Peugeot is expected to cut the price of the model sharply and market it as a cheap car for Eastern European drivers.

Some had hoped that this would have enabled the French car maker to keep up production in the Midlands until 2008 or 2009.

Heading east

Peugeot's decision came soon after the car maker reported a sharp fall in profits, along with a warning that earnings would remain weak during the first six months of 2006.


The Ryton plant will close as Peugeot shifts production east

Last year, PSA's operating income fell to below 2bn euros (�1.4bn) from 2.5bn a year earlier. Net profits fell to 1bn euros from 1.65bn euros in 2004.

Hence, the company's desire to cut costs might have pushed forward the closure of the Ryton factory, though strained industrial relations may also have played a part, observers say.

Last year, 60% of the Peugeot workers rejected plans for a fifth weekday shift on Fridays.

Unions have condemned Peugeot's decision to shut up shop, with Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson insisting that lay-offs on this scale would be "inconceivable" in France where workers enjoy stronger labour laws.

The harsh reality, however, is that even Peugeot's French workers face an uncertain future.

The way the 206 model is set to live on in Eastern European factories is in line with the car maker's strategy to shift production to countries where labour costs are lower than in Britain and elsewhere in Western Europe, Mr Nagley observes.

The 207 model will be produced in Slovakia, for example.

Healthy industry

Britain's car industry has suffered a string of setbacks in recent months, most notably the collapse of MG Rover last spring when up to 10,000 people at the company and its suppliers lost their jobs.

In addition, the Ford Motor subsidiary Jaguar closed its Browns Lane factory in 2004, with the loss of 1,100 jobs.

"When the Jaguar factory closed, everyone thought 'what's next'," says Mr Nagley.

But with Peugeot's pull-out, "we're down to generally efficient car factories" he says, and as such there are no reasons to fear further major closures.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4919414.stm

[Plex]

Peugeot trades trees for CO2

Peugeot says it has finished planting two million trees to offset the carbon dioxide emissions of its cars.

The company started planting the trees in Brazil in 1999 and says the project has so far helped to offset 55,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide. Over the course of the 40-year project, Peugeot says the forest will have offset 1.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide.

Peugeot also says it is working to reduce emissions at source, with more efficient injection systems for its diesel engines and an entirely new range of petrol engines for the 207 later this year. Out of 33 manufacturers assessed on fuel economy and emissions halls of fame and shame, Peugeot was in 8th position.

Changing times for Peugeot/Citroen
Meanwhile, a new six-speed automatic gearbox is on the way for Peugeot and Citroen cars and brings with it the promise of added performance as well as 'significantly' improved economy.
Parent company PSA will only say it's destined for 'mid-range' petrol and diesel models, with the Citroen C4 and Peugeot 307 likely to be the first candidates.

The transmission will probably be suited to a wider spread of cars, however, from superminis such as the Peugeot 207 up to family cars such as the Citroen C5.

Peugeot hints it could feature on the forthcoming 207 GTI. A new seven-seater MPV from Citroen, which will sit between the current Picasso five-seater and C8 full-size MPV by the end of the year, is another likely candidate.

The new gearbox, dubbed MCP (Mechanisme Controle Pilote, or driver control mechanism), isn't a traditional automatic, but a standard six-speed mechanical transmission with a robotically operated clutch.

http://www.sunnewsonline.com/webpages/features/motoring/2006/apr/19/motoring-19-04-2006-001.htm

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New Peugeot 207 Pricing (UK)


Starting from only �8995


On sale on 8 June

Available with six engine options

Initially launched as a 3 and 5 door hatchback

Succeeds but does not replace the Peugeot 206 � best selling Peugeot ever



Peugeot announces prices for the new 207, starting from only �8995 for the 3 door 1.4 8v Petrol Urban model.

The 207 will be available at launch as either a three or five door hatchback, but will be joined later by other body styles as the range evolves. A range of five trim levels � Urban, S, Sport, SE and GT � will be available powered by one of six engine options, all fitted with a five speed manual gearbox.

Safety is a strong point of the 207 with the highest overall score in Euro NCAP for a supermini of: 5 stars for occupant protection, 3 stars for pedestrian impact protection and 4 stars for child occupant protection. The 207 is also one of the first cars designed to meet the new European directive for pedestrian impact protection.

The 207 also has two distinctive looks, the "Classic" look available on the Urban, S and SE models and the "Sport" look available on the Sport and GT.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/country/ecf/newsID/2060504.009/peugeot/new-peugeot-207-pricing-uk

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Peugeot 206 XR 3-door Added to Lineup (AU)

Entry Price $16,990
2006 is shaping up as a great year for the Peugeot 206. With sales of the stylish model up 36% year to date, the ever-popular 206 is set to gain even more friends, with an entry price now of only $16,990.

The Peugeot 206 XR 3-door variant has been added to the range, and at $16,990 joins its five door sister, the 206 XR 5-door, which is priced at $17,990.

The 206 is still one of Europe�s best selling cars, and represents outstanding European value. In XR specification it is equipped with a proven 1.4 litre petrol engine, the car features air-conditioning, remote central locking, electric front windows, radio with CD player and 6 �speaker sound system all as standard, as well as a new-look trim.

The 206 XR is also well specified when it comes to safety. Standard features include ABS with electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assist and the activation of the hazard lights under extreme braking. Other standard safety features include driver and passenger air bags, three point seatbelts all-around incorporating pre-tensioning and force limiting for the front seatbelts.

Security features include a rolling code transponder immobiliser, visible VIN and a security coded audio system.

With increased specification and lower prices across the range, there has never been a better time to buy what many people consider to be the most stylish small car on the market.

The Peugeot 206 XR 3-door is now on sale, from authorised Peugeot Dealers.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/news.cfm/country/ecf/newsID/2060509.009/peugeot/peugeot-206-xr-3-door-added-to-lineup-au

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Malaysia's Proton in partnership talks with Peugeot

KUALA LUMPUR (AFX) - Carmaker Proton is in talks with France's PSA Peugeot Citroen on a deal to collaborate in the development and manufacture of new models, the Edge business weekly said at the weekend, without identifyng its sources.

It added that negotiations between Germany's Volkswagen AG and Proton's shareholders and the Malaysian government have also resumed after being shelved in January when VW failed to win control of the Malaysian firm.

The carmarker said last month that it was in talks with several partners for a 'strategic core alliance' and that a deal could involve 'equity partnership'.

The Edge said that the talks with Peugeot Citroen involve the development of a car for the Southeast Asian market that could be marketed under either brand, and is likely to be a compact model like the Peugeot 107.

It quoted its sources as saying that eventually PSA Peugeot may take an equity stake in Proton, although the investment would fall short of a controlling stake, much like its former relationship with Mitsubishi Motors of Japan.

The senior management of both companies are likely to ink a memorandum of understanding in a few months, which would be one of multiple alliances forged by Proton with various industry players to meet its different requirements, it said.

The Edge said that even as Proton is working on a deal with Peugeot, renewed negotiations with VW were continuing at high levels.

VW was believed to be looking at establishing a new company with Proton which would jointly develop Proton-badged models that would be sold across Southeast Asia and in India, the Edge said.

Proton is struggling to reverse a steady decline in market share, which fell to 41 pct in 2005 from 60 pct in 2002, as foreign competitors embark on aggressive campaigns to woo Malaysian drivers.

http://www.forbes.com/business/feeds/afx/2006/05/07/afx2726419.html

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Eibach Peugeot 207 Pro Kit

It all started with the Peugeot 205. Its successor, the 206, was a joy on the road as well. Large shoes to fill indeed but the new Peugeot 207 has the design, temperament, and innovative technology to do the job with ease. The balanced dynamic, its wide track, and the large wheels quickly make clear what the 207 is all about. The Peugeot 207 becomes even sportier with the Eibach Suspension Package consisting of Pro-Kit, Sportline, Anti-Roll-Kit, Pro-Spacer, and Pro-Street-S.

The Pro-Kit Performance Springs already decisively improve handling, driving dynamics, and steering behavior of the agile French car. The progressive spring rate of the Pro-Kit, meaning that it becomes tauter the greater the spring deflection, ensuring good traction right from the start of the spring deflection combined with a reduced body roll tendency and a high level of dynamic load, lead to an overall balanced, safe driving behaviour. A lowering of the vehicles� center of gravity of up to 30 mm is achieved.

Thanks to the Sportline Sport Springs, which result in an extreme suspension lowering (up to 50 mm), an ultimate driving dynamic is achieved. This Eibach product was specifically developed for the enthusiastic Motorsport fan who is looking to transfer race-car like performance to its regular street car. The Sportline is also a progressive spring design.

The Anti-Roll-Kit decreases the load differences between the inside and outside wheel when cornering. When driving through curves, body roll is significantly reduced. Under- or over-steering tendencies are affected positively.

With Pro-Spacer Aluminum Wheel Spacers, the vehicle simply looks wider and better as the wheel fills the arch. This also further stabilizes the driving behavior and vehicle handling. It also gives the Peugeot 207 that extra sporty look.

With Pro-Street-S, Eibach offers high-quality, top sporting performance for the new Peugeot 207. The height-adjustability of the Pro-Street-S Stainless Coil-Over Suspension System enables adjustment for each individual requirement: Either sporty-comfortable for normal driving or sporty-firm for threshold conditions. The production of the Pro-Street-S shock absorbers is based on a stainless steel technology and the use of spring plates made of polyamide compounds guarantees absolute corrosion-resistance in height-adjustment.

The T�V-certified Pro-Street-S enables height-adjustment from between 20 to 70 mm depending upon the car model.

http://www.worldcarfans.com/tuners.cfm/tunerid/7060530.001/country/ecf/Peugeot%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20/eibach-peugeot-207-pro-kit

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Peugeot Premiere Advanced HDi 170 Diesel Engine In The 407

Peugeot, always at the forefront of diesel technology, is strengthening its position with the arrival of an exceptional new diesel engine to compete in the medium segment.

Saloon and SW models of the distinctive 407 range will soon be available with the advanced new 170bhp 2.2-litre HDi engine - the first 4-cylinder engine to use twin-turbochargers, managed by a parallel sequential induction system.


The 2.2-litre HDi is an evolution of the existing 2.2 DW12 TED4 engine, and utilises the latest advances in diesel technology by combining power, refinement and excellent fuel economy. It is the fourth phase of the cooperation between PSA Peugeot Citro�n and the Ford Motor Company (initiated in 1998).

The quest to deliver an outstanding state of the art diesel engine has resulted in the creation of a twin turbocharged, parallel sequential induction system that gives unrivalled levels of power and responsiveness, even at low revs. The first low inertia turbo operates up to 2,700rpm, and gives an immediate response to throttle input. As the revs rise, the second, smaller turbo kicks in seamlessly to give enhanced performance throughout the rest of the rev range.

The new HDi 170 is fully compliant with Euro 4 regulations, produces a maximum torque output of 277lb ft at only 1,500rpm and is mated to a six-speed manual transmission. The engine will be available in 407 Sport derivatives, and is priced at �21,100 OTR for the Saloon and �22,300 OTR for the SW version.

http://www.carpages.co.uk/peugeot/peugeot-407-08-06-06.asp

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Cool Idea From Peugeot As Temperatures Continue To Rise

As temperatures continue to soar, how many snacks will be wasted by drivers on the move because they have become unpalatable? Who wants to drink a lukewarm coke, eat a dried up sandwich, fight with the wrapper on a sticky sweet or risk getting covered in melted chocolate?


For Peugeot drivers, it�s not a problem. They have the advantage of being able to keep their snacks cool, thanks to the unique design of the vehicle manufacturer�s air conditioning system, which passes through the passenger glove compartment to provide an in-built �cool box�*. Common to all Peugeot air-conditioned models, the cooling system has been designed to pass through the glove box, ensuring that it remains cooler than the ambient temperature, enabling occupants to keep their drinks and food in top condition as they travel.

"The design of our air conditioning system was conceived with the continental market in mind, where the heat dictates more urgency for keeping items cool," said Steve Lambert, Product Manager for Peugeot. "However, the increase in summer temperatures in the UK has generated a growing following of drivers who appreciate this welcome refinement to their vehicles."

Air conditioning is equipped as standard on 80% of Peugeot cars and is available as an optional extra on most other models.

*All Peugeot air-conditioned cars feature this �cool box� feature, except the entry-model 107.

http://www.carpages.co.uk/peugeot/peugeot-cool-box-08-06-06.asp

[Plex]

Peugeot Are The Cars To Be CC Seen In

Sales of convertible cars always open up as the UK weather improves, and Peugeot continues to dominate the sector with its 206 CC and 307 CC (Coup� Cabriolet) cars attracting 12.5% of the market. Since the beginning of the year up to and including May, over 5000 open-top Peugeot cars have already been purchased, making us number one.


With prices for the Peugeot 206 CC starting from �14,145, or �17,350 for the bigger 307 CC, both versatile designs can be specified with either petrol or diesel engines and a range of options to enhance personalisation.



And should the weather suddenly change (not uncommon here in the UK), the spacious four-seater CC�s fully automatic, rigid, integral roof closes in less than 25 seconds, taking the driver from wind-in-the-hair motoring to the insulated comfort of a hardtop coup� in little time at all.

David Brookman, Sales Director at Peugeot, commented: "It�s clear the majority of customers buying an open-top car appreciate the value, specification and practicality offered by Peugeot�s CC cars. Regardless of the UK�s changeable weather, our customers seem to have a real love affair with our responsive electric powered roofs and the flexibility this provides. New diesel models bring environmental and economic benefits too."

http://www.carpages.co.uk/peugeot/peugeot-206cc-307cc-10-06-06.asp

[Plex]

Le Mans 2007 : Peugeot Announces V12 Diesel Engine for the 908

June 16th, 2006

Le Mans 2007 : Peugeot Announces V12 Diesel Engine for the 908 Le Mans 2007 : Peugeot Announces V12 Diesel Engine for the 908 Le Mans 2007 : Peugeot Announces V12 Diesel Engine for the 908 Le Mans 2007 : Peugeot Announces V12 Diesel Engine for the 908

On 14 June 2005, Peugeot announced its decision to take up a new technological challenge: to win one of the most prestigious and most demanding motor races in the world, the Le Mans 24 Hours, with a car powered by an HDi diesel engine, equipped with a diesel particulate filter system. This symbolic race, with attracts more than 200.000 spectators every year, will be used by Peugeot as an opportunity to showcase their brand values: reliability, dynamic performance, style illustrated by the feline lines and, finally, innovation expressed, amongst other means, by the use of environmentally friendly technology.

Why will Peugeot be at Le Mans with a diesel engine?
The PSA Peugeot Citro�n group is today a world leader in diesel technology. � Common rail direct injection � HDi technology can be found on more than 60% of vehicles sold by the brand in Europe in 2005 and more than 70% in France. In 2000, Peugeot confirmed its commitment and strategic policy to reduce exhaust emissions, by fitting as standard equipment on the HDi engine in the 607 a diesel particulate filter system. In December 2005, Peugeot celebrated the production of the millionth vehicle fitted with a diesel particulate filter system.

Today, it is the production car which brings its HDi diesel particulate filter technology to the competition arena, in order to show its qualities in extreme conditions of endurance and performance, all the while respecting the environment.

The Peugeot HDi diesel DPFS:
The choice of engine architecture has been based on a 100� twelve-cylinder V design, with a 5.5 litre cylinder capacity. This is the maximum cylinder capacity that regulations allow and was chosen for it efficient operation at low speed. It also enables engine power to be limited in the first instance, but also enables further development. The number of cylinders results, on the one hand, from the wish to keep bore diameter very close to that of a production series engine, in order to make best use of Peugeot�s diesel combustion knowledge and, on the other hand, to limit the stroke to a reasonable value. The V12 architecture, well known for its good balance, also reduces vibration to a minimum.

The 100� V angle, of the V12 architecture, allows the height of the centre of gravity to be lowered without affecting the torsional rigidity of the engine. Two diesel particulate filters are mounted at the end of each of the exhaust systems. Through technology which has come directly from production cars, they will provide a guaranteed control of exhaust emissions under all operating conditions. The two diesel particulate filters fitted to the engine being presented, carry the numbers 1.195.520 and 1.195.521 which are the numeric production numbers of the filters in the overall production total of all filters since the introduction on to Peugeot vehicles.

The level of performance expected � more than 515kW (700 bhp) of power and a torque output greater than 1.200 Nm � is without precedent in a diesel engine and is a direct result of Peugeot�s current level of know-how in diesel technology, linked to the mechanical characteristics of the V12.

Bosch is one of Peugeot Sport�s essential partners on this project, making an active contribution to the specification of the fuel injection components and to the engine management system.

Peugeot Sport�s engine department: With the arrival of this new challenge, Peugeot Sport was re-organised at the end of the 2005 World Rally Championship. Claude Guillois, under the supervision of technical manager Bruno Famin, was named as manager of the engine department thanks to his experience of race engines, supercharged engines and knowledge of production engine design. The department is based at Peugeot Sport�s V�lizy facility, which includes three engine test beds, including one for simulation.

The next important dates:

* 28 September 2006: presentation of the scale model at the Paris Motor Show
* 30 September 2006: Peugeot V12 HDi DPFS engine to be run on engine test bed
* Beginning December 2006: first drive of the car by test driver �ric H�lary

In addition to Peugeot�s three main technical partners, Total, Michelin and Bosch, Eurodatacar will be working with them on the Le Mans Series programme.

http://www.fullboost.com.au/news.php?newsId=992

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Materials costs punish Peugeot profits

Paris, France - PSA Peugeot Citroen's first-half earnings fell 60 percent, punished by higher-than-expected prices for raw materials, tough market conditions and flat demand.

Kepler Equities analyst Patrice Solaro said: "It leaves me speechless that they reduce the second-half forecast despite the launch of new models with better margins - I find that serious."

Europe's second-largest automaker after Volkswagen also said it no longer expected an improvement in operating profit in the second half of 2006.

The company reported a first-half net profit of �303-million (about R2
'This is not the first warning - there is a real credibility problem for Peugeot's leadership'
.7-billion), less than half the �752-million (R6.7-billion) reported a year earlier.

It has now issued three profit warnings over the past 12 months but chief executive Jean-Martin Folz said he was working on a plan to restore profits, which would be detailed before the Paris auto show in the last week of September.

Peugeot shares fell 8.3 percent to a low of �41.81 (about R370) but later recovered to �42 (R372).

A shares dealer said: "This is not the first warning - there is a real credibility problem for Peugeot's leadership. The stock will likely plummet."

The profit warning came as automakers grapples with intense price competition in Europe caused by huge over-production and sluggish demand.

Peugeot-Citroen predicted prices of raw materials would erode earnings by about �250-million (R2
PSA said it expected unit sales to return to growth in western Europe in the second half of 2006
.2-billion) in the second half of 2006, after a �206-million (R1.8-billion) negative impact in the first six months.

However, PSA said it expected unit sales to return to growth in western Europe in the second half of 2006 with the release of new models such as the Peugeot 207, Peugeot Boxer and Citroen Relay. Outside this area, sales should rise at more than 10 percent. - Sapa-AP/Reuters

http://www.motoring.co.za/index.php?fArticleId=3357361&fSectionId=&fSetId=381

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New fleet service programme from Peugeot saves time and money

Peugeot helps fleets reduce costs, with the launch of the new Peugeot Fleet Service National Pricing Programme.

The programme is designed to assist fleet operators to budget more accurately and reduce their costs for servicing and repairing Peugeot fleet vehicles.

Available to all major Peugeot fleet and leasing customers, the new programme offers fixed regionalised labour rates, discounted prices on service / wear parts and oil.

Committed to improving customer service, Peugeot has also introduced alongside the Fleet Service National Pricing Programme the Peugeot Fleet Service Promise.

The Promise includes:

A five working days priority booking service for routine servicing or repairs.

Repairs requiring less than one hour to complete will be undertaken on a �while you� wait basis with an agreed appointment time.

Alternative transport will be provided should a repair take longer than 48 hours (subject to certain conditions).

All cars will also have a complimentary wash and vac after all routine services.

A collection/delivery service is also available to assist in reducing fleet vehicle down time.

A list of participating dealerships is contained in the Peugeot Fleet Service National Pricing Programme.

Fleet and leasing customers operating the Peugeot Fleet Service National Pricing Programme will be provided with a special software programme developed by Peugeot. By inputting the details of a particular vehicle the programme will identify the required routine service, the cost and time involved and determine the price of a particular repair.

The stated cost will then be guaranteed at any of the 250 participating Peugeot dealerships nationwide.

If a fleet or leasing company is operating the Epyx 1 link fleet management system, the software can be integrated directly into the system.

Adrian Mossop, Fleet & National Accounts Aftersales Manager, explains: �This new software-based service will enable our fleet operators to quickly identify the correct service for any Peugeot vehicle, including the cost for the repair, time and parts required. It will also provide the user with a very competitive fixed price for the job and save further time and money by reducing repair authorisation rejection rates and help budgetary controls.�

Peugeot has already trialled the programme very successfully with over 50 leasing companies who all saw cost savings particularly in administration time.

http://www.easier.com/view/News/Motoring/Peugeot/article-63507.html

[Plex]

Peugeot 907 supercar
Peugeot is no stranger to building stunning supercars, as its 907 proves



Wild 907 coup� never made production, but styling touches will appear on future Peugeot models

Peugeot is no stranger to building stunning supercars - the French firm unveiled the jaw-dropping 907 at the Paris expo two years ago.

The two-seater supercoup� was powered by a front-mounted 500bhp 6.0-litre V12 which drove the rear wheels via a six-speed gearbox.

It was certainly no ordinary Peugeot to look at. The carbon fibre body included a glass section in the bonnet which exposed the engine, a panoramic glass roof and a retractable rear spoiler. Inside, the 907 had a luxurious leather interior with touch-screen displays. And some of its styling cues - such as the lights, wide grille and front splitter - are set to make production on the forthcoming 207 GTi.

Source: http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/news/autoexpressnews/202300/peugeot_907_supercar.html

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Hip Hop Fashion Show

Hip Hop Fashion powered by Peugeot

Peugeot Motors South Africa is pleased to announce that they are proudly sponsoring South Africa�s favourite design label, Hip Hop.

�Hip Hop celebrates their 20th birthday in the South African design industry this month. As part of our celebration and on going brand strategy we approached Peugeot who have just launched their new 207 into the market place to come in as a sponsor on Fashion Week. The synergy between the two brands is awesome � both edgy, trend setters that give the independent South African woman exactly what she wants.� Say Cheryl Arthur and Kathy Page-Wood, the dynamic design duo of Hip Hop.

�As part of our national strategy we looked at the Hip Hop brand and as a true South African icon we felt that the partnership going forward would reap great rewards for both brands.� Says Retha Van Hoven, Advertising Manager of Peugeot.

�Going forward we will see a lot of fantastic joint marketing ventures of our two brands in the market place. We have come to understand that the South African consumers want to be part of interactive marketing initiatives that take them through a life-style experience. Who better to take them on this journey than Peugeot and Hip Hop?� Says Retha Van Hoven


New Call Center

Peugeot takes customer care to another level

As a way of nurturing its customers, Peugeot Motors SA has put together stringent measures to ensure that total customer satisfaction is achieved. One of the facilities in place to ensure the success of this plan is a customer call centre which will officially start operating from the 01 August 2006. This centre will be headed by Gina Nhlabathi, Peugeot�s Customer Relations Manager, who is sufficiently resourced to handle matters pertaining to customer satisfaction. �The call centre is part of a robust long-term customer care plan that will unfold over a period of time to provide excellent service in line with our after-sales policies� mentioned Erika Rohland, Peugeot�s Quality Auditor.

Peugeot�s commitment to its customers is further emphasised by the fact that out of the 31 600 vehicles it has sold since its return to South Africa four years ago, only 1663 customer queries have been received. 94% of these cases were fully resolved to customers� satisfaction. Nhlabathi pointed out that this is because a happy customer is key to a successful customer relations plan. According to her, flexibility and demonstrating a sense of goodwill in resolving difficult matters go a long way in bringing about a win-win situation.

Though Peugeot strives for perfection in manufacturing its products, it realizes that unforeseen deficiencies are a possibility. Should this happen customers need to note the following:

1. Report the matter to the sales or service manager at the dealership.
2. If the required cooperation is not received, the issue can be reported to the dealer principal, also at dealership level.
3. The next level at which a complaint can be addressed to is the customer relations department through the call centre, the number is 0860 PEUGSA Should a matter be of a complex nature, the quality auditor will conduct further investigations in conjunction with technical experts. Based on this, a fair resolution will be attained.

Source http://www.peugeot.co.za/inform/news/news_details.php

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Peugeot revises 206 range

Peugeot is slimming down the 206 range to a single model from October onwards.

With the 207 now fully on song, the 206 will only be available in Look trim.

Engine choice is restricted to 1.4- or 1.6-litre petrol units or the 1.4 HDi turbodiesel.

The 206 is Peugeot's best-ever selling model and the Look will see it into retirement in the UK.

Prices start at �8,495 for the three-door 1.4-litre petrol version.

Source: http://www.topgear.com/content/news/stories/1043/