Dongfeng Peugeot to speed up expansion

Shanghai December 15 (Gasgoo.com) PSA Peugeot Citroen's joint venture with Dongfeng Motor Group will accelerate expansion in the domestic auto market in 2011, Timothy Zimmerman, general manager of Dongfeng Peugeot, said in an interview with dnkb.com.cn.

Following the successful launch of the Dongfeng Peugeot 408 at the beginning of this year, Peugeot has announced its new global logo in April, will release the Dongfeng Peugeot 3008 at the imminent 2010 Guangzhou Auto Show, and will put on the local market the 5008 next year, Timothy Zimmerman said.

The joint venture will launch at least one model every year in the Chinese market, and roll out 12 new models under both Peugeot and Citroen brands in total, along with six engines by 2015, Timothy Zimmerman added.

He also revealed the 3008 will be available for sale in China at the end of this year, and the company will develop a hybrid version of the 3008, claiming that it will be the world's first diesel-electric car.

Moreover, he noted that the Dongfeng Peugeot 508, which industry insiders believe will change the Chinese auto market existing pattern of B-segment, is expected to hit the market in the first half of next year, with an estimated annual sales target of 200,000 units.

Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Co Ltd currently has 220 dealerships in China and plans to add 70 next year, Timothy Zimmerman said, adding that the joint venture will continue to develop rapidly next year based on the 2010 performance that he said is mainly owing to the company's product planning and professional sales network.