Peugeot 508 Opens Award Account With Fleet World Win

PARIS – May 13, 2011: Peugeot’s critically acclaimed just-launched 508 has won its first award after being crowned ‘Best New Car of 2011’ in the Fleet World Honours.

Dubbed by the national media as Peugeot’s “best saloon yet”, the new flagship stole the limelight during a special ceremony this afternoon at the Royal Automobile Club, London.

Phil Robson, Fleet Director for Peugeot, said: “The 508 is an incredible car and what better way to open up our awards account than winning Fleet World’s ‘Best New Car of 2011’. We’re confident this will be the first of many.”

The Fleet World Honours are presented annually to those motor manufacturers, service companies and individuals who have, in the opinion of the judges, achieved the highest possible level of excellence in their respective sectors.

Fleet World Editor, Steve Moody, said: “The 508 changes the game for Peugeot. A massive leap forward from the 407, it offers a premium brand level quality cabin, a range of frugal, refined and powerful engines all wrapped in a stylish bodyshell, taking the firm right back into the upper echelons of this vital fleet sector.”

Commenting on the high level of interest in, and competition for this year’s awards, Fleet World Managing Director, Ross Durkin, said: “The fleet industry is back on its feet again after a difficult couple of years with fleet registrations accounting for over half of all new car sales.

“Manufacturers are investing in new technologies, especially in the area of alternative fuels, and this continues to be a strong and vibrant industry. Fleet service providers also continue to demonstrate how innovation and initiative keep pace of product development incredibly high. This must be great news for fleet customers.”

On the same day as the Fleet World Awards, Peugeot picked up two further national awards when its ground-breaking 3008 HYbrid4 was named Best Eco Car of 2011 in Diesel Car’s Car of the Year Awards. For the second year in succession, the magazine also crowned Peugeot’s exciting RCZ – powered by a 2.0 HDi 163bhp engine capable of providing a thrilling drive - as its Sports Car of the Year.