Peugeot has begun production of the 2008 in Brazil, according to a company statement. Describing the car as having been designed in France, China and Brazil, Peugeot says the vehicle is an example of targeted product strategy at a global level, designed to ensure better market coverage.
Significance: The 2008, according to the IHS Automotive production forecast, will see production volumes in the range of 20,000 units per annum, once full-year production rates are established. In 2014, PSA build 87,591 vehicles at its Porto Real facility; by 2019 that number is forecast to grow to 101,000 units. Though the 2008 accounts for a notable portion of that output, its volume will be eclipsed by both the Peugeot 208 and Citroën C3. The 2008 gives Peugeot an SUV for the Brazilian market, adding to the cars and SUVs it already offers. PSA has been seeing notable declines throughout Brazil’s downturn, however. The IHS Automotive forecast sees the brands continuing to struggle in Brazil through 2019, though sales are forecast to increase for the brands in the next decade.
