308 RC Z - Peugeot

in briefStaying poweris a feature ofPeugeot designwhether ourcars or companies areunder scrutiny. PMSA isone example. There aremany more.We returned to South Africa in pursuit of longtermstrategic objectives. We invested for the longhaul knowing cyclical challenges would emerge atsome stage. Cyclical factors have always drivenour industry. They are no surprise.PMSA optimised the upturn and we will handlethe downturn with the same sure touch. Superiorperformance in tricky conditions is a Peugeotstrength after all.Higher interest rates, inflation and fuel prices plusrecord levels of debt have affected all consumerfacingbusiness. In our industry, the effects arecompounded by the National Credit Act whilethe strong euro creates additional challenges fora European brand like Peugeot.PMSA has reacted by reaffirming our support forbuyers, dealers and staff. Some economies haveto be made, but we never cut quality. This wasrecently demonstrated by ISO 9001 accreditation,a signal that we comply with global qualitystandards and invest in world best practice.In a tough market, a judicious balancing act isneeded. For example, our dealer network hascontracted somewhat in recent months as it isnot practical to carry operations that make asignificant loss. Yet we have not compromisedon the strategic commitment to maintain a levelof geographic coverage that enables nationwidesupport for our customers.Another form of balance is the increasing emphasison after sales as new vehicle sales come underpressure. There are now 50 000 Peugeots on theroad in South Africa, a base that permits steadybusiness volumes in parts and service.Confidence in our ability to win through isbolstered by global success. Peugeot recentlyreached the landmark of 50 million in globalunit sales while results for the first half of 2008indicate continuing profitability. We not only havea range our competitors envy; many would likeour balance sheet as well.Adverse market conditions will be with us forsome time. We don’t like it, but we can live withit. Peugeot is engineered to succeed. That goes forour operations as well as our cars.49peugeotclubi s s u e 18Director of publications : Nandi CanningContributors : Dineo Pooe & Lynden WrightPhotographs : Peugeot Motors South AfricaDPPIAll intellectual property rights relating to the information and images in Peugeot Club arethe property of Peugeot Motors South Africa (PMSA). No information or images may beused or duplicated without PMSA’s prior written permission (including (without limitation))all copyright, patents, designs, trade and service marks, rights in databases, know-how,trade secrets and confidential information, whether registered or not. All information andprices refered to in Peugeot Club are correct at time of publication, but are subject tochange at any time without prior notice. The models depicted in Peugeot Club are forguidance only. Some features are are included in Special Edition models only, others areoptional at an additional cost. Although every effort is made to keep Peugeot Club up todate, in order to avoid any misunderstandings, you are advised to check the specifications(including colour), equipment and accessories relating to any Peugeot vehicle, with yourPeugeot dealer prior to ordering.Kees Jan BoorsmaManaging DirectorPeugeot Motors South Africa