Paris Auto Show 2014: Next generation Peugeot 2008 could outsell 208 in France

Peugeot 2008 at the Paris Auto Show 2014

* See the Full interview by clicking on the title! *

After DS, I can now share with you an interview I had the privilege to conduct with Marc Bocqué, World Press and External Relation Manager for Peugeot. I last interviewed Marc at the Frankfurt Auto Show exactly one year ago, and a lot has happened since, notably the tremendous success of the Peugeot 2008 in Europe. The entire interview can be found below the jump. Enjoy!

Original “Bombardier” Peugeot 205 GTi TV advertising and the 208 GTi 30th anniversary reboot.

BSCB: When we last spoke in Frankfurt one year ago, you were launching both the 2008 and the new generation 308. Positive results since then?

Marc Bocqué: Absolutely, we have had remarkable results. Roughly one year after its launch, the 200,000th 2008 has just come out of our assembly plants (BSCB note: let’s make it 200,800th for the fun of it). I’m not afraid to say it: it is a considerable success, way beyond what we were hoping for. The car has a true personality and a lot of differentiating elements, and the public has understood the message we have sent with the 2008. I think the vehicle has its own merits, but beyond that we also had the luck on one hand and the vision on the other hand to launch an urban SUV at a time where there is a relatively quick de-sedan-isation (BSCB note: in French de-berlinisation) of all segments in the market. This silhouette made for people who live in the city and like the city but also like to go outdoors during the weekend with a car that has a more adventurer look has really struck a chord.

Peugeot Quartz Concept Car

BSCB: At the same time the 208 is starting to lose quite significant ground in Europe – less so in France, has the 2008 been cannibalising the 208 as opposed to the Renault Captur which has not dented into Clio sales?

(Full interview below)