Peugeot appoints new distributor and importer in Thailand

KUALA LUMPUR: Belfort Automobiles (Thailand), a subsidiary of the Master Group Corporation (Asia) Co., LTD., is the newly appointed distributor and exclusive importer of the Peugeot brand in Thailand. The signing ceremony was held at the French Embassy in Bangkok and witnessing it was the Ambassador of France to Thailand, H.E. Mr. Jacques Lapouge.

Over the next couple of years, Peugeot is under plans to introduce at least five new cars in the Thai market. The lot would comprise of two sports utility vehicles, the Peugeot 5008, and the Peugeot 3008. The latter two would be amongst the first ones to arrive in Thailand.

Besides, both the 5008 and 3008 will be exported from Malaysia and will be manufactured at the Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) plant, Gurun, Kedah. It was only last year in February when Group PSA came under an agreement with Naza Corporation taking a majority stake in the Gurun plant — thus transforming it into the first production hub for Peugeot in the ASEAN region.

Peugeot enjoys its presence in 11 countries in the ASEAN region (a big milestone for PSA), and Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) already exports to the Philippines, and now Thailand will add up to its list within a few weeks as well.

In the Malaysia market, the Peugeot 5008 and 3008 are sold as CBU units. However, its CKD versions are expected to be introduced soon, especially after the announcement of the export of these cars to Thailand.

The NAM plant had a workforce of 450 employees last February and had a production capacity of 50,000 units per annum. The forecast volume for the NAM stands at 18,000 units for the current and 21,000 units for 2020.

This move will strengthen Peugeot’s command in the ASEAN region.