Peugeot 207 Sedan all set for roll-out
It was almost a year ago that we reported a memorandum of understanding signed between Naza Automotive Manufacturing Sdn Bhd and Automobiles Peugeot which would see the former assembling a new entry-level sedan for the latter in Malaysia.
It was also stated then that the new model, now publicly announced as the 207 Sedan, would commence production in October 2010, which is now. A press release from Nasim Sdn Bhd, distributors of Peugeot in Malaysia has confirmed that the said plans are on schedule, and that production of the new car is very much on track.
Gregoire Olivier, CEO – Asian operations of PSA Group, recently visited Naza Automotive Manufacturing’s plant in Gurun, Kedah, viewing the Malaysian-made 207 Sedan in the flesh and giving his endorsement for the product. With him for the visit was Jean-Yves Dossal, sales director – Asian operations for PSA Group.
Set to be Peugeot’s first ever ASEAN hub model, the 207 Sedan is actually based on mechanicals of the outgoing 206. So, there will be no BMW-PSA Prince engine under the hood to start with. Promotional materials in Peugeot’s official website for Malaysia suggests the following equipment – auto headlights, auto wipers, auto climate control, ABS, EBD, EBA, and dual airbags. Audio comes with MP3, WMA, USB and Bluetooth compatibility.
“We are happy to report that all systems are ‘Go’ for the 207. It is a first step towards an increased Peugeot presence in Asean, using Malaysia as its base. PSA Group’s support is a sign of determination to further improve the efficiency of its global production system,” said SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin, CEO of Nasim Sdn. Bhd.
We do not expect the pricing of the new Peugeot 207 Sedan to exceed the RM90k mark. That puts it in a very interesting position, because in that case, its closest competitor will come from within the Naza Group – the Forte.
