Peugeot is a French car that has been making history for over two centuries. Founded in 1810 as a manufacturer of coffee mills and bicycles, Peugeot has evolved into one of the world's most innovative and successful car makers.
But Peugeot is not resting on its laurels. The brand has a clear vision of becoming a leader in electric mobility, offering a range of electrified models that combine style, performance, and efficiency.
And nowhere is this vision more evident than in Italy, where Peugeot has achieved remarkable results in the electric car market. In May 2021, Peugeot was the second best-selling brand in Italy, with over 7% market share. And it was also the leader of the B segment SUV 100% electric with its e-2008 model.
But what makes Peugeot so popular in Italy? And how does the e-2008 stand out from the crowd? Let's take a closer look at how Peugeot is winning over Italian customers with its electric SUV.
How Peugeot Became a Top-Selling Brand in Italy
Italy is one of the most important and competitive car markets in Europe, with a population of over 60 million people and a strong automotive culture. Italians love cars, and they have high expectations regarding design, quality, and performance.
To succeed in Italy, car brands must have a distinctive identity, a loyal customer base, and a wide range of models that meet different needs and preferences. They also need to adapt to changing market trends, such as the growing demand for electric vehicles.
Peugeot has proven to have all these qualities and more. The brand has a long history in Italy, dating back to 1907 when it opened its first factory in Milan. Since then, Peugeot has established itself as a reliable and innovative brand, offering some of the most iconic models in Italian motoring history, such as the Peugeot 205, the Peugeot 206, and the Peugeot 3008.
Peugeot has also invested heavily in its dealer network, customer service, and marketing strategy in Italy, creating a strong bond with its customers. Peugeot has over 400 dealerships across the country, offering personalized assistance and advice. It also has a dedicated website, social media channels, and online platforms that allow customers to configure their cars, book test drives, and access exclusive offers.
But perhaps the most important factor behind Peugeot's success in Italy is its product range, which covers all segments and categories of the market. Peugeot offers hatchbacks, sedans, station wagons, SUVs, vans, and commercial vehicles, all with attractive designs, advanced technologies, and competitive prices.
And among these models, Peugeot has a special focus on electric vehicles, which are becoming more popular among Italian customers who are looking for greener and cheaper alternatives to conventional cars. Peugeot has launched several electrified models in Italy, such as the Peugeot e-208, the Peugeot e-2008, the 3008 Hybrid4, and the 508 Hybrid.
These models are part of Peugeot's e-Mobility strategy, which aims to offer an electric version of every model by 2025. Peugeot's e-Mobility strategy also includes providing comprehensive solutions for electric mobility, such as charging stations, wall boxes, mobile apps, and maintenance services.
How Peugeot e-2008 Became the Leader of the B Segment SUV 100% Electric
Among Peugeot's electrified models, one stands out for its popularity and performance: the Peugeot e-2008. This is Peugeot's first electric SUV, and it has been a hit in Italy since its launch in 2020.
The e-2008 is based on the same platform as the regular Peugeot 2008, one of Peugeot's best-selling models worldwide. But unlike the Peugeot 2008, which is powered by petrol or diesel engines, the e-2008 is powered by a 50 kWh battery pack that can deliver up to 136 hp (100 kW) of power and 260 Nm (192 lb-ft) of torque.
The Peugeot e-2008 can travel up to 310 km (193 miles) on a single charge according to WLTP standards, and it can recharge up to 80% of its capacity in just 30 minutes using a fast charger. The e-2008 also features three driving modes: Eco, Normal, and Sport, which allow drivers to adjust the car's performance and efficiency according to their preferences.
But the e-2008 is not just about numbers; it's also about style, comfort, and technology. The e-2008 has a distinctive design that combines elegance, dynamism, and robustness. It has a sleek silhouette, a bold front grille, and signature LED lights. It also has some exclusive details that differentiate it from the regular 2008, such as the dichroic lion emblem, the "e" monogram on the front wings and tailgate, and the body-colored wheel arches.
The Peugeot e-2008 also offers a spacious, refined interior with premium materials and finishes. It can accommodate up to five passengers and 405 liters (14.3 cubic feet) of luggage. It also features some of the latest safety, connectivity, and entertainment technologies, such as the Peugeot i-Cockpit, which consists of a digital instrument cluster, a touchscreen display, and a compact steering wheel. The e-2008 also has a head-up display, a wireless charging pad, a smartphone integration system, and a range of driver assistance systems, such as adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring, and parking assist.
All these features make the Peugeot e-2008 one of the most attractive and competitive electric SUVs on the market today. And Italian customers seem to agree: in May 2021, the Peugeot e-2008 was the leader of the B segment SUV 100% electric in Italy, with over 500 units sold and a market share of over 20%.
Conclusion
Peugeot is a car brand that has been making history for over two centuries. And it continues to do so today with its electric mobility strategy.
By offering a range of electrified models combining style, performance, and efficiency, Peugeot is meeting the needs and preferences of Italian customers looking for greener and cheaper alternatives to conventional cars.
And among these models, the Peugeot e-2008 stands out for its popularity and performance. This is Peugeot's first electric SUV, and it has been a hit in Italy since its launch in 2020.
If you are looking for an electric SUV that offers elegance, dynamism, and technology, you should definitely check out Peugeot e-2008. You might be surprised by what you find.