Peugeot’s Australian future hangs in the balance
Peugeot has been cut from the portfolio of its Australian distributor, leaving the local future of the French brand in doubt.
Inchcape Australasia, local importer of multiple car brands, has announced it will no longer distribute Peugeot vehicles in Australia, less than two years after it axed sister brand Citroen.
Peugeot – which is one of the roughly dozen car brands owned globally by Dutch conglomerate Stellantis – has been distributed by Inchcape since 2017, alongside Subaru, Deepal, Foton and, until late 2024, Citroen.
“As part of Inchcape's standard approach to portfolio management, we continuously review our partnerships to ensure we have the right portfolio of brands for our business, aligned with our strategic growth objectives,” an Inchcape Australasia press release said.
“As a result, Inchcape Australia and Stellantis have mutually agreed to end their distribution partnership for Peugeot in Australia, with the final date to be confirmed following a transition period.
“Stellantis has confirmed the Peugeot brand will continue in Australia and will provide updates on its local plans in due course.
“We are working collaboratively with Stellantis to ensure a smooth transition for the brand, with a focus on supporting customers, dealers and partners. We would like to thank Stellantis for their partnership over the years and we wish them every success for the future of the Peugeot brand in Australia.
“Inchcape will continue to support the sale of existing stock, warranty and servicing during the transition period, while working closely with Stellantis as it progresses future distribution arrangements in Australia.
“Throughout this time, customers will continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine Peugeot parts, and ongoing servicing, including recall campaigns and diagnostic updates.”
In a statement to Torquecafe, Stellantis Australia – the local operation importing and distributing Fiat/Abarth, Jeep and Alfa Romeo vehicles – said it would provide updates in the future regarding Peugeot in Australia.
“Peugeot has a strong future in Australia, supported by a robust product pipeline and a clear long-term strategy. We intend to maintain continuity of distribution in Australia and will provide updates as arrangements progress,” a Stellantis Australia spokesperson said.
“We remain committed to our customers and partners throughout this period and are confident in the brand’s long-term prospects in the Australian market.”
Peugeot sales peaked in Australia in 2007 when it sold 8807 vehicles locally, then managed by the Ateco Group.
It transferred to Sime Darby in 2013, with its 2014 sales less than half of its peak, managing 4394 deliveries.
Inchcape took over the local distribution of Peugeot in 2017, though the new owners couldn’t arrest the sales slide, having last year notched up just 1350 deliveries in Australia, while so far this year its 373 deliveries between January and May represent a drop of 35 per cent.
Currently there are 29 Peugeot dealers in Australia, which sell the Partner, Expert and Boxer vans, as well as passenger vehicles including the 308, 408, 2008, 3008 and 5008.
Thankfully for fans of the brand, Peugeot has not slipped down the rabbit hole as far or as rapidly as Citroen, which was dropped from the Inchcape lineup at the end of 2024, wrapping up the run of Australia’s oldest continuous carmaker.
Citroen hit its high in 2007 as well with 3803 deliveries, but since 2015 couldn’t surpass 1000 sales in a year, eventually dwindling down to just 147 deliveries in 2024.
Subaru is by far the most consistent and best performing brand under the Inchcape umbrella, regularly sitting around the circa-35,000 to 40,000 annual sales marker.
Foton only rejoined the Australian car market last year, while Deepal too is a relatively new addition to the Inchcape lineup.
