Purpose

I will try my best to provide detailed info on various cars and what is like to live with them, I have already produced a few for Jaguar-car-forums, I will do my best to be unbiased, but it will be hard for some cars. I will re-produce press releases and copy from other motoring news.

Friday, 20 June 2014

Skoda at the Goodwood Festival of Speed 2014

  • New ŠKODA Pavilion gives visitors the chance to Ride the ŠKODA Summit
  • Yeti Xtreme and VisionC concept cars make their UK debut
  • Forest Rally Stage presented by ŠKODA set to wow rally fans all weekend
  • Huge display of ŠKODA road cars and specials
  • Goodwood Festival of Speed 26-29 June, 2014
ŠKODA is marking its fourth year of partnership with the Goodwood Festival of Speed with a spectacular display that celebrates the brand’s rich sporting history – on two wheels and four.
The annual three-day festival remains an unmissable date in the motoring calendar, thanks to a dizzying mix of cars, stars and motor sport royalty. Held in the grounds of Goodwood House from June 26-29, the 2014 Festival of Speed promises to be the most spectacular to date, with some of the greatest drivers and rarest cars in the world putting on a show to entertain the crowds.
Fully interactive ŠKODA Pavilion
As in previous years, the ŠKODA Pavilion forms the centrepiece of ŠKODA’s Goodwood activities. For 2014, the pavilion explores and celebrates the brand’s cycling heritage, with a host of interactive displays and activities designed to engage visitors of all ages. These include a remarkable ‘Ride the ŠKODA Summit’ attraction that allows brave visitors to ride a ŠKODA bike up a special course constructed at the back of the pavilion. Other interactive features include a virtual Tour de France-style stage, and regular displays from a cycle stunt team.



The pavilion also plays host to two striking ŠKODA concept cars – the Yeti Xtreme and VisionC. Appearing for the first time in the UK, both are guaranteed to draw a crowd, with the rally-themed Yeti perfectly suited to the high-octane atmosphere of the Festival of Speed.  Powered by a 1.8 TSI 160PS engine, the Yeti Xtreme incorporates an Octavia vRS braking system, 17-inch alloy wheels and chunky off-road rally tyres. Inside, the Xtreme includes four individual Recaro sports seats, four-point safety harnesses and a sports steering wheel with integrated paddles.
The VisionC takes the form of dynamically elegant five-door coupé, combining pure lines with perfect proportions. It also embodies ŠKODA’s passion for practicality and the environment, incorporating a large, aerodynamically efficient five-door body and an innovative natural gas drive system.
Thrills guaranteed: the Forest Rally Stage presented by ŠKODA
The theme for the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed is ‘Addicted to Winning – The Unbeatable Champions of Motor Sport’ – a title that fits perfectly with ŠKODA and its heritage of motorsport success. The brand’s legendary Fabia S2000 – the most successful rally car of the Super 2000 era – will be demonstrating its remarkable talents on the ŠKODA-supported 1.7-mile Forest Rally Stage.

This year, British star Neil Simpson will be in charge of serving up the action, with multiple daily runs through the stage. With vast experience in the world of rallying, Neil is currently campaigning his Simpsons Fabia S2000 on selected European Rally Championship rounds, and has already recorded a number of impressive results in 2014.
The 227mph, record-breaking Octavia vRS Bonneville Special will also be on display, along with the very latest incarnation of ŠKODA’s performance flagship. The sporting theme continues with the Citigo Monte Carlo, along with a Service Park Challenge area where visitors can pit their wheel-changing skills against each other. A further challenge awaits those who fancy their chances racing remote control Fabia S2000s, while younger fans can find out more about ŠKODA’s innovative Young Driver initiative.

New Nissan X-Trail to retain 53% of value after 3 years/30,000 miles.

  • New X-Trail to retain almost 53% of its value after three years/30,000 miles, a nine per cent improvement across the range equivalent to up to £3,200
  • Residual values boosted by new styling, market leading technology and safety features
  • 10% improvement in whole life costs (WLC) versus predecessor; now one of class leaders
  • New X-Trail in dealerships from 17 July, 2014
The new Nissan X-Trail will retain 53% of its value after three years/30,000 miles, a nine per cent increase on the outgoing X-Trail, according to latest data from residual value (RV) setters CAP.
With residual values now in line with the new Qashqai, the RVs place the new X-Trail ahead of key competitors in the crossover/SUV category, making the X-Trail an attractive proposition for fleet managers.
The new £24,795 X-Trail Acenta 2WD five-seater manual now has an RV of 53% or £12,800 after three years, meaning that the new X-Trail is set to retain approximately £2,000 more over its first three years of life compared to its outgoing equivalent, a 9% increase.

The increase in residual value has had a positive contribution on the X-Trail’s WLCs with the new version now 10% less to run on a pence-per-mile basis when compared with the outgoing model – 99 pence per mile vs. 110 pence per mile (outgoing model). More importantly, this makes it one of the segment’s best, even when compared with traditional D Segment saloons.
Barry Beeston, Nissan GB Corporate Sales Director, commented: “Alongside the recently launched Qashqai, the new X-Trail is a strong prospect for fleet managers looking to reduce their running costs and maximise their investment during the vehicle’s lifecycle. Not only will owners get more value for their new X-Trail after three years, but the associated benefit is a significant reduction in wholelife costs too – up to 10% better versus its predecessor.
“The new X-Trail is fitted with an impressive list of safety and technology features as standard, while the striking design and the fact that it’s been completely redesigned from the ground up means it now caters to a much broader range of customers than before – including those buyers in the traditional D segment. As a result of the uplift in RVs for new X-Trail, Nissan’s latest crossover is now more economical to own and run and will build on Nissan’s reputation for producing stylish, spacious, safe and economical crossover vehicle.”
The new X-Trail launches with an advanced dCi 130 turbodiesel powerplant, capable of delivering combined fuel consumption of 57.6mpg while emitting just 129g/km CO2, making it a convincing option for company car drivers.
With features such as forward emergency braking, driver attention alert, traffic sign recognition, lane departure warning, blind spot warning, moving object detection and high beam assist, the new X-Trail has confirmed Nissan’s position as the world leader in crossovers.
Note: Wholelife cost data provided by KeeResources KWIKcarcost and calculated over a 3 year/30,000 miles period.

Land Rover confirms Halewood as the plant to build the new Discovery Sport (Well, where else could it have been built ?)

  • 250 new jobs created by Jaguar Land Rover as company announces plans to build the Land Rover Discovery Sport at Halewood.
  • New jobs see the Halewood workforce treble in four years.
  • More than £200m invested at the plant to support the Discovery Sport introduction.
250 new jobs have been created by the UK’s largest automotive employer as the Land Rover Discovery Sport is today confirmed as the latest model to be produced at Jaguar Land Rover’s Halewood plant.
The additional jobs announced to support Jaguar Land Rover’s newest model will see the Halewood workforce reach 4,750 – more than treble the number employed there in 2010.
Commenting on the announcement, Jaguar Land Rover CEO, Dr. Ralf Speth, said: “The Land Rover Discovery Sport is the next in a line of exciting new products to come from Jaguar Land Rover. I am delighted that Halewood – and Liverpool – has been selected for this new investment. It is totally deserved, and strengthens the ‘special relationship’ that bonds Jaguar Land Rover to this great city.”

The Halewood plant, which is already home to the company’s fastest selling model of all time - the Range Rover Evoque, has benefited from a £200 million investment to support the introduction of the first member of the all-new Land Rover Discovery family. This takes the total amount invested in Halewood over the last four years to almost £500 million.
The new Land Rover Discovery Sport, which will go on sale in 2015, will be the most versatile and capable vehicle in the compact SUV segment. It is the first member of an all-new family of Discovery vehicles, inspired by the Discovery Vision Concept which was spectacularly showcased at the New York International Auto Show.
Richard Else, Jaguar Land Rover Halewood Operations Director, said: “I am delighted to be welcoming the new Land Rover Discovery Sport to Halewood. Its arrival has been a further boost to the region and to our committed and loyal workforce who are all passionate ambassadors for this great company.
“In many ways, Halewood has embodied the transformation of Jaguar Land Rover. We have seen our work force treble and production quadruple in just four years. Today we are operating three shifts, 24-hours a day to meet global demand and I am confident that the team will rise to the challenge and deliver a flawless launch of this exciting new model.”
The arrival of this exciting new vehicle at Halewood has doubled investment in the plant since 2010. In addition to a £45 million state-of-the-art Aida servo press line installed in March of this year, Jaguar Land Rover has installed 260 new automated robots, industry leading laser welding facilitates and a number of state of the art equipment monitoring & reporting systems to support an unrelenting focus on quality.
Halewood became home to Jaguar Land Rover’s top selling model, the Range Rover Evoque in 2011. Within two years the plant had produced more than 200,000 vehicles, a record volume for a single vehicle line at any Jaguar Land Rover facility. Today the Range Rover Evoque continues to attract new customers to the Land Rover brand. Sales in May were up 12% year on year with more than 80% of production exported to 170 global markets.

More Peugeot GTi and R models are in the pipeline.

More Peugeot GTi and R models are in the pipeline, despite planned model cuts for PSA Peugeot Citroen

Peugeot will develop and introduce more GTi and R models to sit at the top of its product ranges.
The performance-focused model offensive also follows the news that PSA Peugeot Citroen will streamline its product lineup in the future by slashing the current 46-strong model range.
At the unveiling of the facelifted Peugeot 508, Peugeot Product Director Xavier Peugeot revealed to Auto Express what we can expect to see from the French manufacturer. “There are some ideas which are connected to the concept car we presented at Frankfurt. We want to cover our product ranges with a very sporty model, this is one of our key messages.”

Peugeot’s show star at last year’s Frankfurt Motor Show was the 308 R concept. The 308 hatchback would be only the third hot Peugeot in the current lineup when launched, standing along side the 208 GTi and RCZ R.


However, it is not yet known if the 308 will wear the GTi or R name - but it will face tough opposition in the shape of the Volkswagen Golf GTI and SEAT Leon Cupra.
Following the hot 308, we can also expect an influx of other GTi or R Peugeot models in the near future: Maxime Picat, Peugeot Brand CEO said, “We will develop future sports versions of all our ranges.”
REPORT HERE

BMW Alpina range expands with D4 and XD3

410 bhp coupe and convertible combine luxury and refinement with just 177 g/km of CO2
Goodwood Festival of Speed –  Stand 7 – UK launch for new ALPINAs
ALPINA is following the launch of the remarkable D3 Bi-Turbo, the world’s fastest diesel production car, with two new petrol models. The new B4 Bi-Turbo is available as a coupe or a convertible, together offering a unique combination of comfort, refinement and very high performance.
With more than 300 kW (410 hp) and 600 Nm of torque, the Coupe touches 100 km/h(62 mph)  from zero in just 4.2 seconds (4.5 for the Convertible). Four Wheel Drive versions, available in left hand drive markets only, will reach 100 km/h (62 mph) in an astonishing 4.0 seconds. ALPINA’s careful optimisation of the powertrain and aerodynamics allows this remarkable performance to be delivered with combined cycle fuel economy of 37 mpg and CO2 emissions of just 177 g/km.
The B4 Bi-Turbo will be launched in the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (June 27 – 29), where visitors will also be able to see the XD3 luxury compact SUV and the astonishing 700 Nm D3-Bi-Turbo, which combines 278 km/h (172 mph) and 0-100km/h (0-62 mph) in 4.6 seconds with CO2 emissions of just 139 g/km.

ALPINA GB sales manager Matthew Stripling says the cars are designed for people who appreciate refinement and comfort as much as very high performance. “ALPINA customers value the finely-honed feel of a bespoke car and the easily accessible performance that comes with substantial torque available at almost any engine speed,” he explains. “We are not trying to compete with cars that must also perform well on a track. An ALPINA is often described as ‘the best performance car for the real world’ and that’s something we are very proud of.”  
Based on BMW’s latest generation 3-Series, the B4 Bi-Turbo is the result of a two year development programme during which every aspect of the vehicle was analysed and refined to increase performance, comfort, efficiency and style. Using design and validation processes identical to those implemented by BMW, ALPINA’s team of 50 development engineers worked with specialist suppliers to enhance the engine, gearbox, cooling system, body structure, wheels, tyres, aerodynamics, steering, suspension and interior.
At the heart of the new B4 Bi-Turbo is an extensively re-engineered version of BMW’s highly-regarded 3.0 litre straight six from the 335i. That engine’s twin-scroll single turbocharger is replaced by a twin-turbo system to provide very fast throttle response and the many bespoke components include a sophisticated cooling system and a new, forged steel crankshaft. “ALPINAs must be capable of high-performance motoring every day without any compromise in durability,” emphasises Stripling.
Bespoke Luxury
The BMW ALPINA B4 Bi-Turbo is available in the UK as a Coupe for £58,950 or as a Convertible for £62,950, with a long list of standard equipment that includes an eight-speed automatic gearbox, Adaptive M Sport Suspension, leather upholstery, electrically adjustable heated sports seats, climate control and Bi-Xenon headlights. Inside, there are luxury carpet overmats and subtle ALPINA logos on the seat backs and door sills. The instruments are in ALPINA Blue and the steering wheel is covered in finest-quality, hand-stitched Lavalina leather.  The acoustically insulated metal roof of the Convertible can be closed in just 20 seconds at up to 18 km/h (11 mph).
Outside, the new B4 Bi-Turbo receives subtle aerodynamic enhancements developed in BMW’s wind tunnel, a four outlet exhaust with an ‘intelligent’ acoustic valve, and 20” ALPINA alloy wheels in the company’s famous Classic design. Every car is finished with a model plaque displayed on the centre console, showing the car’s unique build number.
In addition to being available with all BMW options including those from BMW Individual, the B4 Bi-Turbo can receive almost limitless personalisation from ALPINA’s craftsmen. Alongside the famous ALPINA Blue and ALPINA Green signature paintwork, choices include hand-stitched full leather interiors of superb quality and a wide range of hand-finished woods for the dashboard and doors.
ALPINA has worked closely with BMW since 1961, with shared warranty cover since 1964. The company was registered as an automobile manufacturer in 1983. ALPINAs can be serviced at any BMW dealer.

Jaguar moves upto 2nd place in JD Power IQS 90 days ownership study.

  • Improvement in initial quality helps Jaguar achieve a second place ranking among all nameplates in U.S. industry
  • Jaguar ranks in top ten in initial quality for the third year in a row
  • The Jaguar F-TYPE launches to second place in its segment
J.D. Power today announced Jaguar ranks second among all nameplates in the automotive Industry in its 2014 Initial Quality Study (IQS), giving the British brand its third consecutive year as a top ten scorer in the critical U.S. consumer study. Contributing to the high ranking was the Jaguar F-TYPE which placed second highest in its segment in its first year. The 2014 MY Jaguar line-up includes the F-TYPE, the XK coupé and convertible, and the XF and XJ saloons.
The IQS study collects customer feedback on their vehicles after 90 days of ownership.

The all-aluminum 2015 F-TYPE Coupé, starting at £51,235, joins the F-TYPE convertible to expand the Jaguar sports car lineup. The new F-TYPE R Coupé leads the range, powered by a 550PS 5-litre supercharged V8 engine and capable of reaching 60 mph from rest in 4 seconds and achieving a top track speed of 186 mph (electronically limited).
The future holds many exciting advancements for the Jaguar brand. The Jaguar XE, an all-new compact premium sports saloon is due to launch in 2015. The Jaguar XE will be the first vehicle powered by the new Ingenium high-output, fuel-efficient two-litre four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines delivering exceptional performance and low emissions. In addition, Jaguar Land Rover’s innovative new smartphone integration platform – InControl™ Apps – was launched this year and will be available in new Jaguar and Land Rover models progressively during 2014 starting with the F-TYPE.

Wednesday, 18 June 2014

Evoque and Freelander 2 (LR2) to be built at new Chinese plant.

Jaguar Land Rover plans to build the Range Rover Evoque and Land Rover Freelander SUVs in the company's new China plant, a source said.
JLR said last week that the company will start production at the factory with joint venture partner Chery Automobile late this year.
The company has not said which models it will build in the plant in the eastern city of Changshu.
However, a source familiar with the company's plans told Automotive News Europe that JLR plans to produce the Evoque and Freelander at the factory.

Local production will help JLR boost sales in China's booming SUV market. SUV sales in the country rose 41 percent to 319,200 in May, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers.
JLR's China sales increased by 53 percent to 10,880 vehicles in in May, according to company data. Five-month sales rose 46 percent to 50,900.
The factory will have an initial annual capacity of 130,000 units.

JLR also plans to open an engine plant next to the vehicle factory to build the company's new range of four-cylinder engines.
The vehicle plant also will build cars for a Chery/JLR joint brand, a company spokesperson said. No date was given for production of the cars, which are expected to be based on existing JLR products.

Peugeot completes it's turnaround with the launch of the new 508

  • New 508 is emblematic of the Brand’s future models
  • Power units have the lowest CO2 and are the most economical in their segment
  • Top-of-the-range appearance and specification is in keeping with the brand’s move up-market
PEUGEOT today presented in London a major evolution of its grand tourer in the D segment, allowing the new PEUGEOT 508 to express the Brand’s move up-market. The new PEUGEOT bears a new grille, emblematic of the Brand’s future models, and is fitted with the latest equipment, like the touch screen, reversing camera and blind spot sensors. It also benefits from economical and efficient Euro 6 power units, such as the 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 6-speed manual that, with CO2 emissions of just 105g/km, is the best in the segment for this level of engine power. The new car will be presented to the public in August simultaneously at the forthcoming Moscow and Chengdu Motor Shows, then at the Paris Motor Show, with sales starting in Europe from September.
The PEUGEOT 508 was first unveiled at the 2010 Paris Motor Show with sales beginning in early 2011, confirming the Brand’s presence in the grand tourer segment, a presence not interrupted for several decades. Available initially as a Saloon or SW estate, a third resolutely innovative version arrived to expand the range a year later. Adopting the HYbrid4 technology as standard, also available on the Saloon, the PEUGEOT 508 RXH is a vehicle in a class of its own: its all-road stance, its versatility in use and its environmental performance remain unique in the automotive world.
Topping PEUGEOT’s new ‘8’ range, which now becomes the youngest in the Company’s 125-year history, the PEUGEOT 508 embodies the Brand’s ambitions regarding its move up-market, its demanding level of quality and the enhancement of its image throughout the world. Built in France and in China, some 360,000 units have been sold. China, which in 2013 became the biggest market for the PEUGEOT 508, represents 30% of sales.
The new PEUGEOT 508 reinforces the qualities recognised at the launch of the vehicle, whether in styling, the breadth and modernity of its equipment, or its dynamic performance.

A more assertive exterior style for more character
The original styling of the PEUGEOT 508, inspired and full of elegance, was already evocative of a robust vehicle with irreproachable build quality. PEUGEOT’s designers built on these qualities to produce a vehicle with even more technology, strength and character.
The new grille design is an essential element of the PEUGEOT 508’s style. More vertical and from now on including the PEUGEOT Lion at its centre, it is a clear salute to its illustrious predecessors in the ‘5’ range. It also allows the new PEUGEOT 508 to introduce a corporate style at the front that is more self-assured and endowing greater status, which will also be progressively deployed on the Brand’s future models.
The front of the vehicle is also characterised by the distinctive front lamps - headlamps, daytime running lamps, direction indicators, front foglamps - highly technological 100% LED. The visual signature – a ‘comma’ on the Saloon and the SW, ‘claws’ on the RXH - assured by the daytime running lamps, are integrated into the bumper, clearly identifying the emblematic presence of the new PEUGEOT 508. The new headlamps, their compact size and highly structured lenses accentuate the distinctive and technological aspect of the vehicle.
The bonnet has also been redesigned to make it more horizontal, firmly placing the three versions in the world of top-of-the-range vehicles, on the Saloon improving the balance between front and rear, while the rear end is more structured, with a redesigned rear bumper which is distinguished from the boot while enhancing its protective function. The rear lamps on the Saloon have also been redesigned to make them more horizontal than previously, whether viewed from the side or from directly behind and the opalescent red effect of the three claws provides a visual signature that delivers a strongly identifying and technological effect.
Higher technology content for greater modernity
The interior has been improved, with a dashboard that now includes a 7” touch screen grouping together in an intuitive way most of the vehicles functionalities. As a result, the central panel now has fewer buttons while the centre console includes a new closed-storage box. Positioned in front of the driver, the rich and complete instrument panel makes a style reference inspired by that of a precision watch. It is backed up by the Head-Up Display with driving and navigation information in colour, viewed in a retractable smoked viewing screen.
The quality of materials used, whether for finishers or trim cloth, the quality of the equipment and the care taken with finish immediately place the interior of the new PEUGEOT 508 in a top-of-the-range world that is modern and refined, while not ostentatious.
This high value automobile world marries nobility and technology with the presence of numerous systems for comfort and safety. Examples are Keyless Entry and Starting, the automatic electric parking brake, automatic headlamp dipping, quad-zone automatic air conditioning, JBL badged Hi-Fi… To this list of equipment can be added two new systems: Blind Spot Sensors and a reversing camera, providing a colour image on the touch screen.
The new PEUGEOT 508 also benefits from extended connectivity. Based on mobile internet technology, it is available with a new generation of connected services: PEUGEOT Connect Apps. Due to the ergonomics of the touch screen, the applications developed are easy to access and their use intuitive. The driver is provided with practical information in real time, facilitating everyday driving: free parking spaces nearby, fuel prices at filling stations in the vicinity, traffic and weather information, and tourist information from the Michelin Guide or TripAdvisor.
Enhanced driving pleasure for more dynamism and efficiency
The suspension system has been specified to make the PEUGEOT 508 optimised for driving experience while ensuring it is safe and enjoyable to drive. Featuring double wishbones, decoupled hub front suspension (on the more powerful Diesel versions) or pseudo MacPherson (on other versions), and multi-link rear suspension, the new PEUGEOT 508 continues to offer an impressive combination of good ride comfort and road holding.
For power units, the range offers petrol and Diesel engines of the latest generation.
For petrol, the new PEUGEOT 508 introduces a new Euro 6 engine: the 1.6 litre THP 165 Stop & Start, associated with a six-speed manual gearbox or the new EAT6 six-speed automatic gearbox. Replacing the Euro 5 1.6-litre THP 156, this new 165bhp engine allows reduced CO2 emissions from 131g/km with a 6-speed manual (whereas it was 144g/km at best on the previous generation).

For Diesel, the BlueHDi technology is available from launch of the new PEUGEOT 508. The 2.0-litre BlueHDi 150 6-speed manual, has CO2 emissions of just 105g/km for both Saloon and SW estate, and is the best in the segment for this level of engine power. Similarly, the new 2.0-litre BlueHDi 180 EAT6 Saloon version has been type approved with CO2 emissions of just 111g/km, constituting one of the best combinations of power and fuel consumption in the segment.
PEUGEOT’S HYbrid4 technology, which remains a unique proposition in the segment, is of course carried over to the Saloon and the RXH.  As a result of its extended availability on the PEUGEOT 3008 Crossover, 508 Saloon HYbrid4 and 508 RXH, the Brand claims second place in the sale of hybrid vehicles in Europe. The 163bhp 2.0-litre HDi Diesel engine combined with the 37bhp electric motor driving the rear wheels operate either alternately or together, in a way that is transparent for the user. The four selectable driving modes (ZEV, 4WD, Sport and Auto) provide the driver with exceptional ease of use and driving experience. And great economy is also possible: type approved with CO2 emissions of 85g/km, and with combined fuel consumption of 85.6 mpgthe PEUGEOT 508 HYbrid4 has the best CO2 emissions and fuel consumption figures in its segment.
The new PEUGEOT 508 is produced at Rennes for the European market, and at Wuhan for China. Launches will start in Europe from 10th September 2014, while the new PEUGEOT 508 will be launched in China from January 2015.
"Back in the race": a return to profitable growth
2014 will be a rebound year for the PEUGEOT brand with the goal of rapid return to profitable growth.
Global sales of the Brand at the end of May 2014 were up 5.4% to 683,000 units. Two regions stand out in particular: Europe and Asia.
In Europe (30 countries), the Brand’s sales totalled 407,000 vehicles, representing an increase of almost 14%, or twice the market growth. This growth takes place within the most profitable market segment, in the retail market, in which the Brand gained market share in the first five months of the year.
The Brand benefited from the success of its latest launches, especially the 2008 crossover which exceeded 150,000 sales and the new 308 which has already reached 100,000 sales, with the SW version launched in April already off to a fast start.
In France, due to the success of 208, 2008, 308, 3008 and 508 at the top of their respective segments, the Brand is in May, leader of the passenger car market with a market share of 18% (up 0.6%), but also the number one brand with the most profitable distribution channel – the retail sector. In the first five months of 2014, PEUGEOT registrations in France also grew in both volume (up 8.8%) and market share (17.2%, up 0.9%).
PEUGEOT sales in China experienced a strong increase of 28%, which corresponds to twice that of the market growth for the first five months of the year. In May, shipments reached a record of 34,000 units, an increase of 47% compared to May 2013.
This important volume growth for PEUGEOT in Europe and Asia bodes well for the launch of the new PEUGEOT 508, as Europe and Asia will be its two main markets.