PEUGEOT Australia has added two new dealerships to its network so far this year with plans in place for another two by the year’s end as the brand expands its presence on the back of a string of new products.

Peugeot and Citroen, distributed by Inchcape Australia, now has 33 dealerships. This number will be boosted by McGrath Canberra Peugeot – which will also be a Citroen dealership – in the ACT next month and, later this year, a new dealer for Rockhampton in Queensland.

In January it opened two in Victoria – Mantello Peugeot in Roxburgh Park and Northern Peugeot in Bundoora.

Peugeot Citroen Australia general manager Kate Gillis said “Peugeot has a strong relationship with our dedicated network of dealers across Australia”.

“As our brand continues to grow and introduce exciting new products to the Australian market, we continue to explore opportunities to expand that network and provide customers with increased access to the Peugeot brand,” she said.

Ms Gillis also said that the criteria for new dealerships was to consider potential gaps in the network “particularly in areas where we can see a correlation with our brand and the area’s demographics, where there is a potential for high customer demand”.

“We will continue to seek new opportunities that are the right fit for Peugeot across Australia,” she said.

Mantello Peugeot dealer principal Craig Bransgrove said he was attracted to the brand because it allowed the dealership to diversify into a European marque.

“It was also very clear that Peugeot was realigning their model line-up and introducing stylish new products,” he said.

“My favourite feature about Peugeot is the uniqueness and quality of the vehicles.

“In terms of what our customers are buying, it is a real neck-and-neck contest between the Peugeot 2008 and Peugeot 3008.

“Lately we have seen the Peugeot Expert experiencing a surge in sales too. Personally, I love the Peugeot 508 GT.”

By Neil Dowling