As China’s auto market continues to grow in numbers and significance, carmakers from both sides of the Atlantic and beyond are flocking to the world’s most populous country to reap the benefits. For its part, French automaker Peugeot plans to reinforce its presence in China by launching at least one new model per year into the market starting with the new local market 508 saloon that will be introduced alongside a brand new concept model at next week’s Shanghai Auto Show.
The China market 508 will be produced locally with Peugeot claiming that 1 in 2 examples of its mid-size model will be manufactured and sold in the world’s largest car market for a provisional annual sales volume of 65,000 units in the first full year of production. The French automaker claims that the 508 will play a significant role in achieving it sales objectives of 200,000 cars in China this year.
The European market 508 received its world premiere in both sedan and station wagon forms at last year’s Paris Motor Show, and went on sale in late February.
Along with the 508 sedan, Peugeot will also unveil a new SUV concept in a world premiere at the Shanghai Auto Show. While the French automaker did not release any photos of the study, the company said the all-wheel drive prototype was designed and developed locally by the China Tech Centre in Shanghai.
