Peugeot 6008 for China

Blame it on China: Peugeot is now so serious about SUVs, it’s already working on a new version of the SxC crossover concept, which was revealed at the recent Shanghai Motor Show. 

The new car – which will rival the five-metre-long Audi Q7 in size – is likely to be unveiled at next year’s Beijing Motor Show, and will preview the look for future Peugeots. And it’s almost certain to inspire a production model, called the 6008.

According to the man behind it, Jean Pierre Ploué, the next concept will be the first ‘world’ car from the brand to include design elements aimed at the Chinese market. “It will be our worldwide style, but it will take into account what the Chinese like. When they look at a car, they see details; Europeans see the overall shape. We need to combine the two,” he said.

Ploué, head of design for the PSA group, added: “We must adapt to the market because it’s the biggest place to sell cars in the world. Their wishes will become stronger and stronger in the cars we drive. They’ll influence everything about 
our cars from the size and 
design to the equipment inside and their performance.”

Last year, Peugeot sold 150,000 cars in China, up 
33.9 per cent from 2009. The 
fact that the firm’s influential newcomer will be an SUV 
rather than a large luxury car is significant. Currently, the saloon is the most popular private vehicle shape in China. But Tim Zimmerman, boss of Peugeot China, revealed: “People have a better idea of what they want now and there seems to be a definite shift towards crossovers. Our 3008 has been imported here, which makes it expensive, but it’s still been voted China’s Crossover of the Year.” Local firm Great Wall, Honda and Volkswagen are the country’s top SUV sellers.

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