Despite the coronavirus crisis and the confinement, Peugeot presents figures in the green for the first half of the year.
On Europe 1, the manufacturer's CEO, Jean-Philippe Imparato, explains them in particular by the momentum created by the launches of the new 208 and the new 2008, just before confinement.
INTERVIEW
Like all players in the automotive industry, Peugeot has been hit by the coronavirus epidemic and containment.
But despite this crisis, the manufacturer currently presents figures in the green for the first half.
"Peugeot has an order portfolio to deliver up 40% compared to last year," said Peugeot CEO Jean-Philippe Imparato, guest of La France bouge, on Europe 1. According to him, these figures " historical "are explained in particular by" a big rebound in activity "after confinement.
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This rebound was possible "because we benefited from the launch of the new 208 and the new 2008, which were very successful, just before confinement", indicates Jean-Philippe Imparato.
These two models were launched at the end of 2019 and in the first quarter of 2020, and "in the wake of this launch, we had extremely strong volumes and attention to the brand, which allowed us, just after deconfinement, to continue to ramp up from 208 and 2008, and to benefit from all this momentum ”.
Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Peugeot: "Our figures in the green for the first quarter can be explained by a big rebound in activity because we benefited from the launch of the new 208 and 2008 just before confinement" pic.twitter. com / aqqjKo9sks
- Europe 1 (@ Europe1) October 28, 2020
The manager summarizes: "For Peugeot, there was an extremely hard second quarter, and a very strong rebound in terms of sales performance in quarter 3".
A record number of cars to be delivered
During the confinement, Peugeot implemented a drastic economy plan, in particular by closing its head office, and by favoring massive teleworking.
But will these devices put in place during the first wave allow the manufacturer to be ready in the event of reconfinement?
"Yes", assures Jean-Philippe Imparato, according to whom "the whole reaction system to a situation which could deteriorate is in place (...) It is in place, and it can be reactivated".
"It's historic, yes": Jean-Philippe Imparato, CEO of Peugeot comments on the record number of Peugeot cars delivered this year pic.twitter.com/3NGtnxJ0vj
- Europe 1 (@ Europe1) October 28, 2020
It remains to be seen whether the customers will stay there.
"It is trade that pulls the industry, not the other way around. It is the order forms that customers give us that will drive manufacturing, and therefore factories, in the coming weeks", concludes the manager, cautious .