Peugeot debuts at Auto Focus Motorshow in SM MOA

MANILA, Philippines - Making its debut at the Auto Focus Motorshow & Auto Expo held last weekend at the SM Mall of Asia, Peugeot is set to make its mark on the local market with a second distributor since the brand’s first local foray almost a decade ago.

What started out as a manufacturer of bicycles has become Europe’s second-largest selling automobile brand and the world’s leading producer of diesel engines. With such a reputation, Peugeot is surely a force to be reckoned with, and all they need is the best local partner to grow the business in the Philippines. That partner has arrived through Eurobrands Distributor, Inc. (EDI) and now they are setting their sights on leading the luxury car segment.

According to Felix J. Mabilog, President and COO of EDI, Peugeot sets itself apart by addressing two major global concerns: fuel efficiency and environmental friendliness. Thanks to its revolutionary e-HDI Micro-Hybrid technology, Peugeot engines can cut fuel consumption by as much as 15 percent and substantially reduce CO2 emissions. The e-HDI technology features a new-generation automatic start/stop feature that automatically switches off the engine when stationary, allowing quick and seamless shutdown and start-up.

EDI aims to present Peugeot as a true luxury brand with four introductory models: the 508 midsized sedan, the 3008 crossover, the 5008 MPV, and the RCZ sports car.

The 3008 is positioned as a dynamic blend of SUV, MPV, and hatchback. It’s powered by either a 1.6-liter or a 2.0-liter diesel engine mated to either a six-speed automatically controlled manual or a six-speed automatic.

The 508 has the same 115 or 163 hp diesel engines but in a sedan body. It ups the luxury factory by having a heads-up display, 18-inch alloy wheels, and an eight-speaker system as standard.

Meanwhile, the 5008 has seven-seating capacity, available headrest-integrated LCD screens complete with two Bluetooth headphones and rear window shades. It is also among the segment’s safest with radar-based Distance Alert and a multitude of safety features.

Lastly, the RCZ sports car serves as Peugeot’s flagship. The best-selling car in its class in Europe, this turbocharged, 156-hp coupe features a unique “bubble” rear glass. It also has standard 19-inch alloy wheels, full-grain leather seating, a JBL audio system, and an automatic pop-up rear spoiler.

EDI plans to open 12 dealerships across the country, with eight dealerships already in various stages of construction and will be operational by the end of this year. “We at Eurobrands are convinced we have in Peugeot one of the finest cars available in the market today. We believe that our Peugeot models can strongly compete with any brand in their class in style, quality, innovation, and would you believe, even in price,” says Mabilog.

With those words, Peugeot seems set to position itself to eat a good chunk not only of the luxury segment, but of the entire Philippine car market altogether.