In July 1951 the first officially imported Peugeot arrived in NZ. It was a black Peugeot 203A which was advertised as "an economical luxury car". Peugeot's popularity skyrocketed when a 203 won the Australian Redex reliability trial (6500 miles of terrible roads) in 1952 and then again 1953 beating the very best from Britain, Europe and America. In 1960 local assembly started in Otahuhu and then moved to a purpose built facility at Thames in 1964 boasting at its heyday a staff of 535 building CKD cars. In 1976 local assembly ceased and Peugeots were then fully imported as they are today.

The legendary, world champion 205 rally car won the New Zealand Rally in 1985 and 1986 and that success continues today with the amazing 206 WRC rally car dominating the local and world stage.

Little wonder that the name Peugeot has become one of the most popular European marques in the hearts of Kiwis right around New Zealand.