Stellantis unveils new Peugeot 408 coming in 2023

The French brand Peugeot, owned by Stellantis, unveiled the new 408 on June 22, a new fastback sedan that the company believes will appeal to consumers who are tired of sports utility vehicles (SUVs).

SUVs have been hugely popular in Europe in recent years, with SUVs accounting for a record 46 percent of new car sales in France in May, the same as conventional sedans.

But Peugeot believes the ubiquity of SUVs has tired some consumers who are eager to see other types of vehicles."(Some Peugeot 408 customers) want to see a newer style than compact SUVs, which they believe are too common," the company said in a statement.

Image credit: Peugeot

Fastbacks are known for their steep slope from roof to rear, such as Ford's Mustang.As a result, the new 408 is much lower and longer than Peugeot's 3008 SUV, and the aerodynamic lines give it a distinctive silhouette that sets it apart from other mainstream models.

However, the new car, which will be built in Mulhouse in eastern France, does have some SUV characteristics, such as high ground clearance, large wheels and fenders.

The new 408 will be launched in Europe early next year and hit the Chinese market in mid-2023, when the car will be assembled in Chengdu.Peugeot will initially offer petrol and gas-electric hybrid versions, followed by a purely electric version.