In the changing year of 2021 The Lithuanian new car market experienced many disruptions caused by supply problems, but buyers' sympathies led to changes unrelated to global factors. Alongside the traditionally leading brands, Peugeot, which shot to the top three in our country, won this position with successful indicators in both the personal and commercial car segment.

In total, during 2021, Peugeot representatives in Lithuania sold 2,281 new cars of this brand for personal and commercial use, or as much as 107 percent. more than last year, when 1,102 models of this manufacturer were registered in our country. In terms of sales figures, the French were inferior only to the world's largest manufacturers Volkswagen and Toyota, traditionally leading in Lithuania and the Baltic States, which together sold more than 10,000 vehicles in our country. cars.

Last year, 2,053 passenger (M1) Peugeot cars and 228 light commercial (N1) models were registered in Lithuania. The most popular models for personal use were the 2008 (640 units) and 308 (427 units), and the "Expert" (207 units) for commercial use.

Peugeot's market share in Lithuania increased almost three times last year compared to 2020 - from 2.5 to 6.5 percent.


A long-term strategy led

Matas Buzelis, the communications manager of car history verification company "carVertical", says that the rise of "Peugeot" both in our region and in other European countries was determined by the manufacturer's long-term training and chosen strategy. According to a market expert, the latest models have made it possible to change the established image of an ordinary, unremarkable French brand.

"Buying a car has always been a search for a kind of compromise, when you have to choose between some features with the available amount of money. But people are always looking for a nicer, better equipped car.

Demonstrating an expressive range of works, Peugeot has, I would say, reloaded its design identity. New attractive cars appeared on the streets, people saw them and began to wonder: "What is this?" Maybe I want one too?'' Gradually, the effect of a lump rolling down the mountain was formed - for the French, it turned into a real snowball in 2021", summarizes M. Buzelis.

According to the specialist, both the clear design language, the structure of the range itself and its good marketing strategy created opportunities for the French company to attract a larger number of drivers and draw their attention.

"In my estimation, the fact that they can offer both hybrid and purely electric cars alongside the same gasoline or diesel models has become a big advantage," says the expert.


For those who want a traditional looking electric car


Many specialists and media representatives who review new cars note that Peugeot stands out from other manufacturers in terms of interior concepts. M. Buzelis also draws attention to this.

 "The driver's seat is the difference between the models of this brand and the cars of other manufacturers. Because of the small steering wheel and the instrument panel above it, you always feel that you are sitting in a different car. Some like it more, others less, but such decisions allow you to shape your image in the market," says the specialist.

According to M. Buzelis, many buyers are deterred from the rapidly growing offer of electric cars on the market by the non-traditional exterior design solutions often chosen by their manufacturers. But Peugeot went the other way and started offering electric drivetrains in cars like the e-208 or e-2008, which are visually indistinguishable from the 208 or 2008 with an internal combustion engine, which became a salvation for those who wanted a "traditional-looking electric car".

 "What I like about Peugeot is that a person can choose the look of the car first, and then the power source they want. I believe that such a strategy will help to further expand the customer base: the more people can choose, the faster and more efficiently electrification will integrate into the automotive industry. In my opinion, this is the way it should continue to evolve", - assesses the specialist.


Successful results in all Baltic countries


The French manufacturer demonstrated successful results not only in Lithuania, but also in the entire region. After summing up the numbers of Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia, last year 5,461 units. Peugeot, which sold cars, was in fourth place overall, and only Volkswagen, Toyota and Škoda gave up higher positions. Compared to 2020, Peugeot's sales volume in the Baltic countries jumped by 28 percent.

The most popular were representatives of the SUV class: 2008 (1,234 units) and 3008 (744 units) models.

According to Mr. Buzel, 2020 was a more cautious year for many buyers, but last year most people came to terms with the situation and returned to planned purchases, so the only limitation to even faster trade was the delay in supply. Manufacturers predict faster supply growth in 2023.