The Peugeot 508 is a solid car that's more of a contender than its sales figures would have you believe. The French automaker is equally confident and is planning a new model by 2018.
Seems that Peugeot is still betting on the big sedan as a viable business, even in the face of an increasingly strong offensive from its rivals in the segment. A replacement for the 508 is in the works according to an Autocar UK report with a statement from company boss Maxime Picat.
Peugeot has had a relatively frustrating time trying to convince the world that it’s flagship four door (or 5-door if you get the SW/Touring variants) is a worthy alternative to the foreign (usually German) competition.
While the Peugeot 508 has been selling at a steady pace in its native France for the past 5 years since the car made its street debut in 2011, annual sales in other key markets have seen a steady decline.
This has prompted speculation that Peugeot would divert its resources to other vehicle types that are more lucrative such as smaller sedans/hatchbacks as well as crossovers. However, this was flatly denied by Picat who said with certainty that Peugeot will indeed have a replacement model for it.
Exactly what kind of replacement model, however, was not detailed. We do know Peugeot already has their next big saloon in the works, but are also very aware of the fact that they would likely have to change their strategy if they want to be competitive, and that facing the Germans head on isn’t the way to go.
Picat told the UK publication that they were willing to “move the lines of where the class” and that they can be “a little bold”. Perhaps an even larger, more passenger-focused car than the traditional mid-level exec sedan is where they’re aiming at.
Hopefully, too, is that they will be more liberal when it comes to the car’s design. The 508 was a departure for Peugeot when first launched, with the majority applauding the car’s handsome lines and subtle styling cues, but perhaps even more spice is needed to sway the people into Peugeot’s camp. We look forward to seeing what they come up with.
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