Peugeot Exalt concept could spawn China-only production car

Peugeot could put the Exalt concept into production for the Chinese market, company boss Maxime Picat has revealed. 

Speaking to Autocar at the Beijing motor show, Picat admitted that there was a need to make a large saloon for the Chinese market, as well as a larger SUV. Consequently a production version of the Exalt was a serious likelihood. 

Product boss Xavier Peugeot confirmed the need to sell those cars in China but isn’t ruling them out for Europe either. "We don’t want to give up on saloons in Europe" he said "and it’s possible to sell the SUV across continents though it can’t be exactly the same product. Chinese customers need a larger boot and more space."

However he denied that he is trying to turn Peugeot into a more upmarket brand for the Chinese market. "We are not a luxury brand and our positioning should be no different in China than it is in Europe." he said. "It is not our first priority, we want to be the best generalist."

Picat also revealed that success for Peugeot in China will influence the direction of European models. "The next generation will be a worldwide influenced car," he said "Chinese customers don’t understand the concept of a crossover, so the next Peugeot 3008 will have to look more like a traditional SUV in its exterior design."

Read more Beijing motor show news.