Astra France Motor launches Peugeot 407
Astra France Motor launches Peugeot 407
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta
PT Astra France Motor has launched its latest product, the
Peugeot 407, aimed at changing executives' perception on comfort
and safety of a sedan for that particular segment.
"The launch also sets a new benchmark for sedans for
executives who are active, aggressive, dynamic, modern and
trendy," said company president director Wiwiek D. Santoso on
Thursday.
The 2,000cc car, which was launched in its origin country of
France last April, will compete with medium-sized sedans made by
other premium carmakers such as the BMW 3 Series, Mercedes-Benz
C-Class and Audi A4.
"The last two years have been a very difficult period for
European car producers, who were hit badly by the strengthening
euro, which strengthened 42 percent against the U.S. dollar,"
Wiwiek said.
"However, the Peugeot 407 has received a positive response in
Europe since it was launched. And we believe that the car will
also get a similar response here," she added.
Last year, Peugeot sold 2,027,000 cars, both sedans and other
vehicles, worldwide. Compared to 2003's sales figure of 1,913,624
vehicles, Peugeot improved its sales by 5.9 percent, with 44
percent of the market in western Europe, 22 percent in France and
the remaining 34 percent in the rest of the world.
Peugeot general director for ASEAN countries Dominique Monet
said the French carmaker would only be able to supply around 200
of the new model monthly to the regional market.
"The demand in Europe alone has been very high. But, if the
response of the market here is positive, I will ask the principal
to raise the supply to around 300 cars in the region per month,"
he said.
The completely built-up car is being offered at Rp 419 million
(US$44,837) on the road, but due to limited supply from France,
interested customers must wait for between two and three months
for delivery.
Astra France Motor sales operation manager Mukiat Sutikno said
customers could also order the 3,000cc version at a price of Rp
586 million on the road. "But, they must wait for up to five
months to get the car."