Peugeot 508 Picks Up First Accolade in Germany's Auto Trophy 2010

PARIS – December 7, 2010: Readers of Auto Zeitung gave the Peugeot 508 first prize in its category ahead of 18 rival models.

The Auto Trophy awards have been given out for 23 years by readers of the German fortnightly auto magazine, Auto Zeitung (circulation of 200,000).

For the 2010 prize-winners, the participating readers chose from 400 models present or due for imminent launch on the German market split into several categories. Even before its commercial launch, 18.2% of votes cast the new Peugeot 508 as number one and beat 18 competitors to the top prize in the "Import" ranking of the "Mittelklasse" category, which is at the heart of demand on the German market.

Jean-Marc Gales, a member of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Managing Board and Executive Vice-President Brands accepted the prize at the Auto Trophy awards evening on 23 November in Dusseldorf, and declared:

"The Peugeot 508 marks the return of Peugeot to the large touring car segment. Its style and appeal combined with its sheer quality and new generation technologies, illustrate Peugeot's ambitions in this category of the market. The vote by readers of Auto Zeitung, several months before its launch, gives us considerable grounds for optimism as to its future commercial success".

With the 508, Peugeot is reaffirming its presence and ambitions in one of its traditional segments, that of large touring car.

It will be marketed as of February 2011 in Europe and will be launched at the Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne mid 2011. Over a period of several decades, every model in the “40X” and “50X” range has left an indelible imprint on their time: due to a unique blend of style, road holding, versatility and robustness.

Derived from Peugeot’s extensive experience in the field of touring cars, Peugeot, as with each previous generation, has recognised the expectations of customers in this segment.

Customers who are active, committed, experienced and in search of modernity and status, albeit free of ostentation, who hold fast to certain values and are aware of their responsibilities. Such buyers are drawn increasingly to spacious, timeless and efficient cars: efficient in terms of liveliness, but also and not least in terms of greater efficiency. Naturally they require a car that will see them easily and comfortably through long journeys, at the same time guaranteeing durability.

Ken Thomas, General Manager/ Director added “The new 508 will be an exciting addition to the Peugeot range in Australia confirmed for launch mid 2011. Recently a number of our Dealers attended the Paris Motor Show and were ecstatic with the overall design, technology and pure luxury offered in 508. The brand has a long history in Australia whereby many of our customers will welcome the arrival of 508 saloon and Touring models. We are well into the planning stage to unveil 508 at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show in Melbourne and for sale soon after”.