Reuters (Paris) - French carmaker PSA Peugeot Citroen (PEUP.PA) said on Wednesday strong demand in emerging markets helped it offset supply chain problems in Japan in the first quarter, leading to a 10.2 percent rise in group revenues.
The group stuck to its 2011 objectives but said there would be a likely hit of 150 million euros ($214.8 million) to automotive recurring operating profit in the first half from the Japanese earthquake and tsunami.
The group said it had little visibility on the impact of Japan in the second quarter and that the group was working to minimise it.
"Output in Japan has yet to return to normal and the group is carefully tracking the situation," Peugeot said in a statement to announce first-quarter revenues.
Group revenues were 15.41 billion euros, up 10.2 percent, which beat consensus analyst expectations of 14.9 billion according to a Reuters poll of eight analysts.
Strong demand in high-growth markets like Russia, Latin America and China buoyed sales, offsetting declining markets in Western Europe.
PSA said it would propose a dividend of 1.1 euros per share.
