Earlier this year, Peugeot launched and introduced the new Peugeot 408 sedan to the Chinese market. Now it looks like the French manufacturer is also keen on bringing their compact sedan to another market, South America.
Peugeot also announced that the "Peugeot 408", the long wheelbase version of the 308, is currently being produced at the company’s PSA Peugeot Citroen Palomar production plant in Buenos Aires, Argentina and will eventually be sold in 27 countries, including Argentina and Brazil.
The 0 denotes the Peugeot 408 as a Peugeot, while the 8 signifies the sedan’s generation.
The Peugeot 408 is offered with a choice of 1.6 Liter 16 V four cylinder making 110 HP or a 2.0 Liter 16 V cranking out 147 HP.
The new Peugeot 408 is a mid-size sedan created by the French car manufacturer Peugeot especially for the Chinese market. The car was designed in France and although intended for the Chinese market, Peugeot plans on selling the car in other countries as well around the world as well.
Peugeot is launching a new "sedan Peugeot 408" in China. This model is designed special for growth market countries and produced by the joint venture companies in China namely Peugeot Dongfeng.
Peugeot 408 using low-cost platform with MacPherson front suspension (front) and torsion-beam (rear). Be extended 2710mm wheelbase, or a 100mm longer than the Peugeot 308 hatchback. With the addition of the rear trunk, total length of 4680mm or 400mm so longer than 308.
1.6-liter engine can produce maximum power of 110hp and 2.0-liter engine can be 147hp. Engine with VVT technology has been removed from Peugeot models in circulation there.
The Chinese and South American version of the Peugeot 408 , built on an extended 308 platform and developed by Peugeot and China's DFM, is expected to increase Peugeot's Chinese sales - 410,000 in 2009 - by 30 percent.
“Whilst the car has not been officially confirmed for right-hand drive production at this stage, we are quietly confident that it will be in Australia in the not-too-distant future,” General Manager of Peugeot Australia Ken Thomas said.
“The car has an extended wheelbase allowing for more interior space and the sedan shape obviously allows for more boot space.”
In China, the Peugeot 408 will be powered by a version of the 1.6 litre engine developed by PSA Peugeot Citroen and BMW, along with a 2.0 litre petrol unit, producing 79kW and 110kW respectively.
The 508 marks the return of Peugeot’s “five-0″ designated models, last seen on the 505 from 1979 to around 1992.