Showing posts with label GTi. Show all posts
Showing posts with label GTi. Show all posts

21 Jan 2014

Peugoet finished 2013 on a high and looks forward to a better 2014


  • Worldwide sales of 1,553,000 vehicles
  • International growth

Main Points

  • Worldwide sales of 1,553,000 vehicles down 8.7%
  • International strategy well underway with sales outside Europe up 10.9 %

o   Percentage of sales outside Europe : 43 %  (39 % in 2012)
o   Sales in China up strongly by 25.8 % : ahead of the market
o   Making progress in Latin America up 5 .8 %

Europe : 879,000 sales , down 7.2 %
o   Strategy to give preference to more profitable channels of distribution
o   Improved performance in the retail market
o   Bounce back during the 4th quarter : registrations up by 3.5%          


  • Move up-market strategy confirmed with the successful launches of the 208 GTi and XY, the new 308 and the 2008 Urban Crossover, which benefited from a particularly high level model mix
  • Motor Sport: Victory for the 208 at Pikes Peak and at the 24 Hours Nürburgring
  • Outlook for 2014 : PEUGEOT will have the youngest range in its history

In 2013, against the background of a generally depressed European market, although now with signs of stabilisation, and overseas markets showing contrasting trends, PEUGEOT recorded 1,553,000 sales worldwide.

Brand strategy for 2014 continues:

Continuation of a dynamic product and launch plan:
o   Expansion of the new PEUGEOT 308 range with a new body style (SW) and new power trains (Blue HDi and Pure Tech plus new automatic gearboxes
o   Renewal in the B1 segment


  • Evolution of the  high capacity light commercial vehicle range
  • Success of recent launches, 2008, 301, 308, 3008 China, will gain momentum
  • Continuation of the Brand’s move up-market strategy
  • Recovery expected in the southern European markets, favourable for the weighting of the Brand’s sales in Europe
  • PEUGEOT’s continued growth in most emerging markets
Successful launches

2013 saw the PEUGEOT Brand continue the renewal and expansion of its product range.

The PEUGEOT 208 will soon pass 600,000 units produced in Europe and Brazil since its launch in 2012.

In 2013, 208 strengthened its position on the podium in the hotly contested European B2 hatchback segment, particularly in France, Belgium & Luxembourg, Holland, Portugal, and Denmark.

In spring 2013, the 208 range was topped by two new additions, the 208 XY and 208 GTi, which accounted for nearly 9,500 orders by the end of December and nearly a third of 208 customers have chosen the top trim levels (Féline, XY and GTi).

The PEUGEOT 208 also gained success in race car competitions: victory and record broken with the 208 T16 Pikes Peak at the iconic American hill climb race, triple win with the 208 GTi Peugeot Sport in its category in the 24 Hours at Nürburgring and the launches of private racing versions (208 R2, 208 Racing Cup Circuit and 208 T16).


The PEUGEOT 2008 Urban Crossover, with more than 82,000 customer orders since its launch in spring 2013, saw a level of success above its objective in the rapidly expanding CUV category of the B segment.

The strong appeal of the 2008, confirmed by several awards received in Europe, has led to an increase in production capacity at Mulhouse, progressively brought up to 650 units a day.

Qualitative success has also been achieved, with a particularly high trim level mix: 69 % of orders in Europe have been for trim levels 3 & 4 in the 2008 range, against an initial objective of 48 %.

2008’s international development will be realised by its sales launch in China during 2014, then in Brazil in 2015.

At the end of December and after less than three months on sale more than 35,000 orders were received for the new PEUGEOT 308 and that is even before its launch in the UK and various other overseas markets. This latest new car has seen a level of success above the ambitious targets that had been set for it.

With a model mix of more than 50% for trim levels 3 & 4 (Allure & Féline), it also demonstrates that all of the Brand’s models are contributing towards PEUGEOT’s move up-market.

Having already won several awards (France, Switzerland, Spain, Croatia, Slovakia), the new 308 is also one of the 7 finalists for the prestigious 2014 “Car of the Year” Award.

To its many qualities, the new 308 adds safety at the very highest level, as shown by the 5 * rating recently obtained under the new EuroNCAP tests.

In the spring, the new 308 range will expand with a new body style (SW) and new particularly innovative powertrains, such as the 1.6l BlueHDi and the brand new 1.2l THP and a new automatic gearbox.


The new PEUGEOT 301 gave the Brand a new model to conquest in emerging markets (93 % of sales are outside Europe) and with production and sales recently started in China, more than 67,000 examples were sold in 2013.

It made its mark especially in Algeria and Turkey. In 2014, the PEUGEOT 301 will contribute towards the growth of the Brand with a sales volume of 130,000 cars worldwide (of which, 65,000 in China).

PEUGEOT’s move up-market at the heart of the strategy for the brand

In 2013, with 338,000 units, ‘Premium’ vehicles represented 22 % of total sales for the Brand, against 18 % in 2012.

Among those, 89,000 PEUGEOT 508 vehicles were sold, in its internal combustion and HYbrid4 versions, 30 % of which were in China.

The 3008/3008 HYbrid 4 Crossover won 141,000 customers, especially in Europe and in China, while 74,000 examples of the 2008 Urban Crossover have been delivered.

For its part, the RCZ, with the range extended by the radical R version developed by Peugeot Sport, attracted more than 9,200 customers, while the Coupé Cabriolets and the 4008 SUV sold 14,500 and 9,100 units respectively.

Emissions reduction a top priority

PEUGEOT’s environmental commitment can be seen in the figures for 2013: the offering of three HYbrid 4 models, the optimisation of petrol and HDi engines, the extension of the new generation 3-cylinder petrol engines (1.2l VTi) through the range and the wide implementation of Stop & Start e-HDi have allowed the Brand to reduce the weighted average emissions of its European range to 115.2 g/km CO2 (11 months of 2013), against 121.6 g/km CO2 in 2012.

PEUGEOT is continuing its efforts towards the objective of 141.24mpg by 2020: developed in cooperation with TOTAL, the 208 HYbrid FE technology demonstrator explores various solutions and achieves the feat of reducing its emissions to 46 g/km CO2 (123.8mpg).

Europe: PEUGEOT gives preference to profitable sales

Against the background of a European car & light commercial vehicle market that remains competitive on price, down slightly by 1.6 % and on track towards stabilisation during the second half, PEUGEOT adopted a sound commercial approach in 2013 by choosing more profitable channels of distribution.

However, PEUGEOT improved its performance in Europe during 2013 compared to 2012: down by 11.7 % in the first quarter, its registrations then recovered over the year to finish 3.5 % up in the fourth quarter.

The Brand achieved 897,000 registrations (743,000 cars and 154,000 light commercial vehicles), down by 6.1 %, for a market share of 6.5 %, against 6.8 % the year before.

This change reflects an unfavourable market mix, against the background of persistent weakness in the large southern European markets, traditionally the most important for the Brand.

In 2013 the Brand recorded an increased market share for cars & light commercial vehicles in several countries in the area – particularly in France, Portugal and Ireland – and increased volumes in the United Kingdom, Spain and Portugal. It should be noted that in Spain, PEUGEOT shares the leadership of the total overall market and is the undisputed forerunner in the LCV market.

In Central and Eastern Europe, in the context of a market that had stabilised globally, PEUGEOT saw its registrations increase by 6.3 %, with noticeable increases for the main markets in the region (Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, Slovakia).

In the European LCV market, PEUGEOT maintained its strong position with a quasi-stable market share of 10.5%.

Strong progress in overseas markets

With 673,000 assembled vehicles, the percentage of PEUGEOT’S sales outside Europe jumped from 39 to 43 %, in line with the Brand’s objective of achieving 50 % of its sales outside Europe by 2015.

2013 demonstrated the Brand’s acceleration in nearly all of the major regions in the world showing growth.

In China the biggest vehicle market in the world, PEUGEOT is outperforming with vehicle registrations growth of 25.8 % (+ 19 % for the market), at 272,000 units and a market share of 1.8% (1.7% in 2012).

PEUGEOT is reaping the rewards of an ambitious product policy (two launches in 2014 : 3008 China and 301), the development of its Dealer network (540 Dealers at the end of 2013), its rigorous approach to Chinese customers (Number 1 in the JD Power China classification for after sales service quality) and the development of new power units (e-Power).

In Latin America (Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Mexico) PEUGEOT registrations grew by 4.6% in a market up 2.9% albeit with contrasting results across the region.

In Argentina with 98,300 registrations, an increase of 21.6% - nearly double that of the market - PEUGEOT achieved a new historical record.

The successful launch of the PEUGEOT 208 should be noted in particular, on sale from summer 2013 and already in 2nd place in a B segment (second half), which accounts for 65 % of the Argentine market.

In Chile PEUGEOT’s registrations saw growth of 33.1 %, to 12,000 units, in a market up 10.3 %

In Mexico registrations grew by 33.4 %, to 6,900 units, widely outperforming the increase in the market (+ 7.9 %).

In Brazil on the other hand, in difficult economic circumstances and a very strained vehicle market, the PEUGEOT 208, launched during the year, has not yet made it possible for the Brand to return to growth. PEUGEOT sold 57,500 vehicles, down by 20.2 % in a market itself also slightly down (-1.5 %).

In Russia where the market contracted by 5.4% in 2013, the Brand decided to restrict its sales, profitability being seriously impacted by a very unfavourable Euro-Rouble exchange rate. Against this rather special context, PEUGEOT registrations in Russia reached 33,900 units in 2013, down by 23.8%.

On the other hand, sales were up 26.3% (5,400 units) in Ukraine, in a market that is also down.

In the Mediterranean region, success has been achieved.

In Algeria in a market going through a period of slight consolidation (-1.5 %), PEUGEOT established a new sales record, at 74,400 registrations (+ 12.1 %), a result helped by the success of the new PEUGEOT 301. The Brand, market leader for the first time in ten years, recorded a penetration of 17.0% (15 % in 2012).

Finally, in Turkey thanks also to the warm welcome given to the PEUGEOT 301, the Brand saw its registrations grow by 15.1 % in 2013, to 34,000 units (+ 9.8 % for the market).

15 Jan 2014

Start of production Golf 7 in Mexico

  • Mexican Secretary of Economy, Dr. Guajardo, and Volkswagen CEO, Prof. Dr. Winterkorn, inaugurate production of the new Volkswagen Golf at the Puebla plant
  • The Volkswagen Group is investing US$7 billion in new products and modern production facilities in North America in period to 2018
  • Volkswagen de México celebrates 50th anniversary


Production of the new Volkswagen Golf1 began today at the Volkswagen plant in Puebla, Mexico. The facility is to build further models from the Golf family for the North America region going forward. Dr. Ildefonso Guajardo, Mexican Secretary of Economy, Rafael Moreno-Valle, Governor of the State of Puebla, and Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, Chairman of the Board of Management of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, inaugurated Golf production on the occasion of the ceremony marking the 50th anniversary of Volkswagen de México. 700 guests from politics and industry attended the celebrations.

“Volkswagen de México has a proud history and a promising future. One car in particular is a symbol of that: The new Golf,” Prof Dr. Martin Winterkorn said in Puebla. “The start of Golf 7 production will give Volkswagen a big boost in the North America region. And it underscores our commitment to Mexico as an automotive location. That is further confirmed by the US$7 billion our Group will be investing in North America in the period to 2018.”


The intelligent lightweight construction of the Golf, the “World Car of the Year 2013”, is based on the technological innovations of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB), and the vehicle will be exported from Mexico to the USA and Canada. The new Volkswagen Golf will hit North American roads from mid-year as it continues its global success story. Volkswagen has invested some US$700 million in new production plant and modern infrastructure for the Golf in Puebla. The first Golf sedan to be built in Mexico is a red Golf GTI2. Production of further derivatives such as the Golf station wagon for the North and South America regions will begin during the course of the year. Golf production at the Puebla plant has a capacity of 700 vehicles per working day.


CEO of Volkswagen de México, Andreas Hinrichs, underscored the major significance of the Puebla location for Volkswagen: “Our Puebla factory is today one of the Group’s highest exporters and one of its largest plants worldwide. Over 10 million vehicles have already been shipped from here to customers all over the world.”

In addition to the new Golf, the Puebla plant also builds the coupé and cabriolet versions of the Volkswagen Beetle plus the Volkswagen Jetta. In terms of technology, these models also belong to the Golf class and are to be adapted to the structure of the Modular Transverse Toolkit (MQB) in the medium term. Furthermore, Volkswagen began manufacturing modern TSI engines at the Silao engine plant in early 2013. The Audi facility in San José Chiapa will strengthen the Volkswagen Group’s production network in North America from 2016.


The vehicles manufactured in Pueba and the engines produced in Silao are built in accordance with the state-of-the art environmental standards of the Volkswagen brand’s “Think Blue. Factory.” programme. This programme aims to optimise resource efficiency at all Volkswagen plants and to continually improve the environmental compatibility of the production process. 50 years of success unite Volkswagen and Mexico. Volkswagen began exports to Mexico back in 1954. 50 years ago, on January 15, 1964, the Wolfsburg-based company founded an import, production and sales company called “Volkswagen de México S.A.” The Beetle began rolling off the assembly line at the new plant in Puebla in 1967, with production of this model only finally coming to an end in 2003. Alongside the Bulli, the Beetle motorized Mexico for decades.

In 1997, Puebla became the only plant in the Volkswagen Group to build the New Beetle, exporting the model all over the world. Production of the fourth Jetta generation commenced at the same time. Both models lent key growth momentum to export business at Volkswagen de México. From 1964 to the present day, the Volkswagen Group has already invested a total of US$8 billion in Mexico.

3 Jan 2014

USA - VW announces December and year end figures, not a good result.


  • December sales total 34,105 units, second best December since 1972 -
  • For the first time in 40 years company delivers over 400,000 vehicles in back-to-back years-
  • High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models account for 17.8 percent in December, 23.5 of sales in 2013 and selling 95,823 units for the year, the best year on record
  • Chattanooga-built Passat sold 9,254 units in December; 109,652 units for the year
  • Jetta Sedan sales total 13,719 units in December; 141,259 year-to-date
  • 2013 Beetle and Beetle Convertible achieved 2,819 units in December; 43,134 units for the year


Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 407,704 units delivered in 2013. December deliveries totaled 34,015.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage,TDI® Clean Diesel modelstotaled 95,823 units for the year accounting for 23.5 percent of sales in 2013 and 17.8 percent in December. Since 2,000, Volkswagen of America has delivered over 500,000 TDI® Clean Diesel vehicles.

“Volkswagen is now operating at a new plateau, delivering over 400,000 units for the second consecutive year in over 40 years,” said Mark McNabb, chief operating officer, Volkswagen of America, Inc. “We look forward to 2014, with the introduction of the new Golf family, continued increased awareness and enthusiasm for the brand’s core models and the strength of our TDI offerings, we are well positioned for our next phase of growth to come over the next few years.”


The Chattanooga-built Volkswagen Passat continues to demonstrate its strong appeal in the market with 9,254 units sold in December and 109,652 for the year. Clean Diesel TDI Passat sales were the best year on record with 34,963 vehicles delivered, accounting for 32 percent of sales of the year.

Jetta sedan sales totaled in 13,719 in December and 141,259 for the year, demonstrating that affordable, German Engineering is a key selling point for the brand.

11 Dec 2013

7th generation Golf hits half million sales already.

The Golf’s success story enters the seventh generation as the car continues to inspire both customers and the specialist media. The Golf has been honoured with two dozen prestigious awards over the last twelve months. It was voted European “Car of the Year” and crowned “World Car of the Year 2013”. The new Golf also recently beat the competition in Japan, becoming the first imported car in the 34-year history of the country’s top award to claim the accolade and be named “Car of the Year 2013/2014 Japan” with a score that was streaks ahead of the field. Other awards include the “Golden Steering Wheel 2013”, the “Auto Trophy”, “Auto der Vernunft” (Car of Reason) and “Best cars of 2013”. Prof. Dr. Martin Winterkorn, CEO of Volkswagen Aktiengesellschaft, commented: “The Golf will remain the most important model and a powerful engine for the Volkswagen brand.”


The 500,000th latest-generation Golf will be delivered in a few days’ time just one year after the car was launched. And the bestseller has yet to make its debut in key countries such as China and the United States. Moreover, important derivatives in the Golf family are waiting in the wings: The new Golf Estate has just arrived in showrooms and will be followed next year by the Golf Sportsvan which Volkswagen premiered at the IAA in Frankfurt. There will also be innovative versions such as the e-Golf and the Golf Plug-in Hybrid. “We are delighted the Golf has got off to such a brilliant start and is enjoying such a positive reception from customers. That is first and foremost due to a committed team. Our people very definitely went the extra mile for the Golf and have done a great job,” Winterkorn added.

For years now, the Golf has been the best-selling car in Europe, enjoying this status in several individual countries and taking pole position, for example, in Belgium, Finland, Ireland, Croatia, Luxemburg, Norway, Austria, Switzerland and, of course, its home market of Germany.

The first generation of the Volkswagen Golf went on display at dealers in May 1974 as the successor to the legendary Beetle and has continued its predecessor’s success story for almost 40 years. The Golf has lent its name to an entire vehicle class and has always been available in a range of variants. From the ultra-economical Golf TDI BlueMotion to the sporty GTI, from the three-door model to the estate version, Volkswagen has a Golf to suit every taste and need. That has convinced customers: Volkswagen celebrated the 30 millionth Golf in June 2013.

3 Nov 2013

USA - VW surprises with a very poor October and year to date, both down on previous year.


  • October sales total 28,129 units
  • Chattanooga-built Passat delivered 7,258 for the month 
  • Jetta Sedan delivered 10,161 units for the month
  • Tiguan delivered 2,153 units
  • High-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October and 22 percent of sales year-to-date, the best year-to-date results on record
  • Passat TDI sales reach 33.3 percent of mix with 2,416 units, the best October results ever

Volkswagen of America, Inc. (VWoA) today reported 28,129 units delivered in October and 342,962 units year-to-date, down 18 percent for the month.  Adjusted for models in run-out, Volkswagen’s year-to-date pace would be on par with the prior year-to-date pace.

“After more than doubling our sales over the past three years, it is a significant recognition of the strength of our products that we are on course to close out a second consecutive year with over 400,000 vehicles delivered for the first time in 40 years,“ said Jonathan Browning, president and CEO, Volkswagen Group of America.

Now operating at a new plateau, Volkswagen is seeing a consistent stream of accolades, not only for products, but for interaction with customers -- through compelling advertising and effective website management.  Beyond sales figures, awards like these are a further proof point that the brand has gained a significant foothold in the US market.

Volkswagen’s award-winning commercials have found themselves atop another list.  Ace Metrics named Volkswagen’s “Choose Wisely,” ad at the top of its list for “Funniest Ads of 2013.”  “Top Down Day,” a Volkswagen ad promoting the new Beetle convertible, also made the top ten list, ranking number seven. Volkswagen was the only automaker in the top ten. Volkswagen has also proven successful in reaching consumers on their mobile devices, JD Power and Associates ranked the newly redesigned mobile.vw.com 6th overall among 33 automakers. The 2013 Automotive Mobile Site Study examines the features and content of automotive manufacturer mobile websites and their usefulness in the vehicle-shopping process.

The Chattanooga-built Passat continues as a core model with 7,258 units delivered. In October the Passat TDI, the only clean diesel in the midsize sedan segment delivered 2,416 clean diesels, representing 33.3 percent of its sales mix.

Total Jetta deliveries (including SportWagen) for October accounted for 10,161 units. The Jetta Turbo Hybrid continues to attract consumer interest with 666 deliveries in October.,

Total Beetle deliveries for October were 2,555 units, a 4.8 percent increase versus the prior year. The Tiguan sold 2,153 units. Total sales of the Golf (including Golf R and GTI) were 2,249.  The Touareg sold 549 units.

Volkswagen’s high-mileage, TDI® Clean Diesel models accounted for 24.2 percent of sales in October, and 22 percent year-to-date, the best year-to-date on record.

20 Oct 2013

Peugeot celebrates five wins in the 2013 MPG Marathon


  • New Peugeot 308 and 208 GTi take five MPG Marathon awards in both diesel and petrol classes
  • Stylish new 308 achieved an average 82mpg over the 350-mile journey around the UK
  • Performance-model 208 GTi demonstrates economy capability with nearly 60mpg overall

In the ever-challenging MPG Marathon, this year held from Tankersley, near Sheffield, three new Peugeot cars were pitched against their latest competitors to highlight real-world economy driving.


Two New Peugeot 308 HDi 92 models were entered with sub 100g/km CO2 and a Combined Drive Cycle exceeding 75mpg, along with the 208 GTi, more likely to be sought for its 200bhp output, agility and acceleration, but with CO2 at an impressively low 139g/km and a Combined Drive Cycle at 47.9mpg is clearly an accomplished all-round performer.

This year’s event for the first time had five set locations across the UK (Lincoln, York, Manchester, Burton-upon-Trent & Tankersley) but relied on the navigation skills of the co-driver to chance the best route in real-world driving conditions.

The final results show that with the intention of economical driving, it is possible to exceed the Government’s 'New Car Fuel Consumption and Emission Figures' (Directive 93/116/EC as amended by Regulation (EC) 692/2008) as John Kendall and Paul Nieuwenhuis in the petrol-powered 208 GTi achieved 59.39mpg over 341.1 miles – ‘the best percentage improvement’ (24%) and ‘best MPG in Class 2’.

Driving the New 308 Chris Russon, who writes for the Trinity Mirror Regional Newspaper Group, with co-driver Kevin Jones achieved 82.04mpg over 350.5 miles - the ‘best percentage improvement in Class 3’ (10.4%) and the ‘2nd best percentage improvement’, while Ian Robertson of DieselCar magazine and co-driver Marc-Antoine Negre achieved 77.15mpg over 353 miles - ‘3rd best percentage improvement’ (3.8%).

Full details of the 2013 MPG Marathon are available at http://www.thempgmarathon.co.uk/

Commenting on his achievements in the MPG Marathon, Chris Russon said: “While it is important that most new cars are declaring improved economy, the fact that the New Peugeot 308 has reduced its weight by some 140kg – equivalent to two adults – means that achieving good economy is much more likely, and driven with that in mind it not only brings great achievements but makes for safer driving too.”