It's Time to Take a Second Look at Peugeot Cars

Peugeot has a new partner distributor in the country. Formerly known as Bergé Auto, Astara is one of the biggest automotive distributors both in Europe and Latin America. Last year, it sold over 200,000 vehicles with a total group turnover of four billion euros. Founded in 1979, the company grew its network to distributing 29 car brands in 16 countries, which now includes now the Philippines. 

Astara’s partnership with Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufacturing corporation that now owns Peugeot, was established in January last year. Stallantis was formed when the PSA Group, which owns Peugeot, merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to become the world’s fourth largest automaker with 14 automotive brands under its belt. 

Photo by Peugeot Philippines.

Astara’s appointment was supposed to be announced much earlier but had to be moved because of travel and documentary restrictions brought about by the pandemic. But the appointment opens a new window in the company’s expansion into Asia, which now begins in the Philippines. The group says it has seen much potential in the local market especially with the gradual recovery of the local automotive industry.

“Having just celebrated our 10th anniversary in the Philippines, we are energized to continue building our momentum in the country through our great vehicles and after-sales service offerings with Astara as our partner,” Peugeot Philippines Brand Head Maricar Parco said. To kick off its partnership, Peugeot Philippines also unveiled the new 5008 SUV. Parco added that three other new vehicles will be introduced to the market very soon. 

Photo by Peugeot Philippines.

The new 5008 SUV is Peugeot’s premium seven-seater SUV.  Inside, a new generation i-Cockpit welcomes passengers with a unique and design-oriented driving experience. Much attention was given to driver and passenger design and sensory experience with its simple and tastefully laid out cockpit. It’s also equipped with many safety and driver aid features to ensure and inspire driver confidence. Powering the 5008 SUV is a 1.6L Twin Scroll Turbo High Pressure (THP) engine mated with a six-speed automatic transmission that’s rated at 165hp and 240Nm. 

On the outside, the front end features a frameless radiator grille and full LED headlights with "illuminated fangs” daytime running lights.  The full LED rear lights leave a lasting impression with its 3D claws covered with a transparent smoke lens and scrolling indicators. Featuring a sleek, raised body design, the dynamic stance of the New PEUGEOT 5008 SUV is highlighted with chrome detail that extends from the headlights to its rear spoiler and enhanced by the 18-inch alloy wheels.

Produced in a plant in Gurun, Malaysia—which helps bring down logistics costs and has tax advantages for the Southeast Asian market—the 5008 SUV is surprisingly affordable. It’s priced at P2.26 million and comes in Emerald Crystal, Nera Black, Pearl White and Amazonite Grey.

Photo by Peugeot Philippines.

The new 5008 SUV has been field-tested and logged a total of 300,000 kilometers in this region to ensure the specs are tuned to this market. 

“Astara will bring to the Philippines its strong expertise in strategy implementation and a wealth of cross-market experience to realize the potential of Peugeot in the Philippines,” Stellantis senior vice president for ASEAN and general gistributors Christophe Musy shared. 

“Our investment will help infuse a renewed sense of vigor for Peugeot Philippines and its patrons, creating a more purposeful brand that resonates to the Philippine market,” Peugeot Philippines managing director Raoul Picello added. “We hope that, as we move forward and grow together, these exciting changes can help us meet the ever-changing needs of Filipinos.”

For more information visit Peugeot Philippines.