Peugeot: 200 Years of Innovation
As an industrial manufacturer, Peugeot has been engineering and innovating since 1810. And our involvement in the automotive industry is pretty hard to beat. The car as we know it (i.e. with an internal combustion engine) was invented in 1879 - we’ve been making cars since 1889. In fact we are the world's oldest continuos car brand and second oldest car manufacturer. And, over the past 200 years or so, we’ve continually stayed at the forefront of stylish design, reliable engineering and driving joy.
Take a look through some of the key dates that make us unique.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".
Celebrating over 50 years in New Zealand!
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 verybest 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.