PETALING JAYA: The latest Peugeot 3008 and 5008 sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) are now on sale following their launch on Wednesday, marking a new beginning for the French brand under a new franchise holder.

       The facelifted models in Allure specifications are locally assembled and is distributed by Bermaz Auto Alliance Sdn Bhd.

       The 3008 is priced from RM161,616.66, while the 5008 will retail from RM177,311.90 (on the road without insurance but inclusive of full sales and services tax exemption until June 30, 2022).

       Bermaz Auto Bhd executive chairman Datuk Seri Ben Yeoh said the focus for next year is not on sales but to rebuild Peugeot in Malaysia as “we have just taken over the brand”.

       “Peugeot is a very good brand; the products are excellent. Our main objective is to reinforce confidence in new and existing customers about a new ownership experience and rebuild the brand.

       “When the brand confidence is back and the image is much better, the product will be able to deliver its promises. The sales part will come naturally then,” said the automotive veteran.

       Bermaz Auto Alliance managing director Datuk Wong Kin Foo said the 3008 and 5008 are expected to be great additions to the local market, where SUVs are becoming more popular.

       Wong said Bermaz Auto Alliance would use a formula of combining Peugeot quality with a pleasant ownership experience to ensure its success.

       Positioned as “upper, mainstream” models, the refreshed 3008 and 5008 is refined further in this outing with a new frameless grille, redesigned headlights and taillights.

       On the interior, the difference between both models is the seating capacity. The 3008 is a five-seater while the 5008 comes with seven seats.

       Both models feature Peugeot’s digital i-Cockpit technology, which consists of a 12.3-inch digital head-up cluster display, a compact steering wheel for improved driving dynamics and a new 10-inch touchscreen colour display.

       Peugeot is now part of Stellantis, a multi-brand automotive group formed in January from the merger of Italian-American Fiat Chrysler and France’s PSA.

       The merger resulted in the formation of Stellantis, the world’s fourth-largest carmaker boasting 14 brands.

       Stellantis aims to use the Gurun, Kedah, plant – acquired from the Naza group – as a regional production hub to export the two models to Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Myanmar and Cambodia.

       Stellantis has full control of the plant with no equity stake from Bermaz Auto Alliance.