Peugeot adopts One direction

This humble mid-size car from Peugeot, which won’t even be sold in Australia, represents a huge shift in the company’s naming structure. It’s the 301 and will be the first model to carry the new nomenclature.

Previously, the badging for Peugeot worked like this: the first number indicated the size of the car—the bigger the number, the bigger the car; the central zero is a key Peugeot trademark; and the final digit represented the generation of the vehicle. To put that in a real-world context, the 306 was the sixth generation of Peugeot’s mid-size hatch. It was followed by the 307 and the 308.

You can see why something had to change with the naming. Were the old system to continue the 308 would become the 309 and, then what? The three-digit model naming is central to Peugeot’s brand and that is unlikely to ever change.

Under the new naming convention the model designations will stay the same from generation to generation. Now, the final digit will remain the same and as you can see with the image of the 301 above all new Peugeot models from this point forward will end with a 1.

Over time the previous nomenclature evolved to cater for a wider variety of models on the same platform. For example, SW has been added to indicate a station wagon version of a specific model. Similarly, a double-zero, as seen in the 4008, indicates the model is a vehicle with a “high structure”. That means SUV to you and me. Those systems will continue, but will, of course, adapt to the new 1 badging. So the next generation of 4008 will be the 4001.

Peugeot Releases New Naming Structure

Automobiles Peugeot has launched an all-new model and with it cemented a naming structure that all future models will follow.

The central 0 will continue but in its internationalisation strategy, Peugeot has chosen a final digit of “1” for its new conquest models and permanently fixes the names of the models with a final digit “8” for future renewals.

This means that from now on, Peugeot models will no longer change their number when they are renewed. Permanently fixing the numbers will simplify the understanding of the range and assist in establishing it.

The current naming structure was introduced into the Peugeot brand in 1929 with the 201*. This started Peugeot’s three-digit numbering based around the central zero.

The naming system used by Peugeot, going back through history, is structured as follows:

• the central zero corresponds to the identity of the Peugeot marque,
• the first digit represents the size of the vehicle,
• the final digit indicates the generation of the vehicle.

This system evolved at the end of the ‘90s, incorporating double letters to qualify the derived body types (CC and SW). Since 2005, it has been supplemented with the central double zero which qualifies the models which have a high structure, such as the 3008, 4008 or 5008.

International development has led the marque to now reinvent its naming policy again.

The “0” indicates the genetic code

The central “0” represents the genetic code of the marque. This numbering represents our history and will be retained.

The first digit: symbol of the segment

The first digit indicates the vehicle’s segment (or size), regardless of the market in which it is sold.

The final digit is a response to new challenges, new ambitions

The wider coverage of the markets at international level calls for the launch of conquest models in the large volume segments at the heart of the market.

These models take their place in the Peugeot range and will bear new names: numbers with a final digit “1”.

Designed specifically to fulfil new customer expectations, these conquest models, affordable and offering status, will supplement the range of models with a final digit “8”.

Following the example of the new Peugeot 301, these models, bearing the contemporary stylistic codes of our marque, will distinguish themselves in their segment through the dynamic handling and driving pleasure qualities unique to Peugeot, to which are added more marked strength and practicality of use.

The construction of the names with a final digit “1” will be exactly the same as for the models with a final digit “8”. Numbering with 3 or 4 digits, depending on the design of the vehicle, with:

•  the first digit which indicates the vehicle’s segment,
• the 0 or double 0 which identifies Peugeot in the centre,
• the final digit will be “1” or “8”.

Models with “1”

Following the example of the 201, the “1” will represent the Marque’s affordable models offering status which fulfil customer expectations centred around practicality of use, versatility and reason. These new models will supplement our range with a final digit “8”.

Models with “8”

All models which already bear a number with a final digit “8”, such as the 308 or 3008, will keep their name when they are renewed; the “generation 7” models will be renewed with a final digit “8”.

*201, the Marque’s 201st project, played in its time a particularly saviour-like role for Peugeot in a difficult economic environment. The considerable industrial resources devoted to the launch of this model, the starting point for a new generation of vehicles, contributed to the expansion of the Marque, the products of which became synonymous with innovation, elegance, economy and strength.

New 301 Reveals Peugeot’s Future Nomenclature

Automobiles Peugeot has released picture and information on the all-new 301.

The 301 is not only an all-new model but is the first model to use Peugeot’s new nomenclature.

Specifically designed to appeal to a wide customer base, the new 301 is expected to become one of the Marque’s best-selling vehicles worldwide. It offers modern styling and features, carefully adapted to fulfil the expectations of the different markets in which it will be sold.

With the latest stylistic codes of the Marque, the 301 offers a design of character and a modern look which inspires emotion and gives an impression of strength.

At 4.44 m long, the 301 is set apart with an optimised and generous structure which puts it a step ahead of the competition. It sits on a wheelbase of 2.65m which enables it to have record occupant space in the rear seats and a record boot volume of 506 litres.

Likewise, the range of latest generation petrol and diesel engines is perfectly suited to the expectations of the target markets, with power values ranging from 53kW to 85kW and manual, piloted or automatic gearboxes:

• 1.2 l VTi 53 kW (1) with manual or piloted gearbox
  
• 1.6 l HDi 68 kW with manual gearbox
  
• 1.6 l VTi 85 kW with manual or automatic gearbox

The 301 becomes the second car in the Peugeot range to use the new range of 3-cylinder petrol engines (1.2-litre VTi) which, thanks to its technology, combines driving pleasure and reduced consumption.

Equipment includes electronic air conditioning, MP3 audio system with Bluetooth hands-free kit and USB connection, remote opening of the boot and rear parking assistance.

A family vehicle that is both safe and reliable with great driving characteristics: these are elements that have already ensured the success of the Marque in many of the countries targeted by the 301. Indeed, Peugeot has been manufacturing motor vehicles for more than 100 years and has designed numerous sedans which have earned, and continue to earn, their place in motor vehicle history (404, 504, 305, 405, 406, 407, 408, 508).

The new Peugeot 301, manufactured in the European factory in Vigo (Spain), will have its world premiere during the Press days of the Paris Motor Show in September.

It will then go on sale on November 1, 2012 in Turkey before Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, Ukraine, Greece, Maghreb, Middle East, Gulf and African States, as well as some Latin American markets.

The 301 is only to be produced for left hand drive markets.

(1) subject to homologation