Peugeot Sets Sight on Cuba´s Diplomatic Market

BDC International S.A. and Peugeot Automobiles knocked together a test drive for the wives of foreign diplomats stationed in Cuba that was organized over the weekend in the surroundings of the Meliá Cohiba Hotel in Havana.

The objective was to bring these distinguished ladies closer to Peugeot products and give them a chance to take a firsthand look at the new features and availability of these cars in the Cuban market.

The new models that took the weekend tests were the automatic-door Peugeot 807 (available in both diesel and gas engine versions), and the sleek 206 Special Wagon that combines the size of a coupe and the usefulness of a utility van.

As to the 307 SW, penciled in as Peugeot´s high-tech utility vehicle of the moment, its price tag makes it superior choice for virtually anyone, let alone a roomy trunk and a comfy cabin.

The gas-engine cars put on display this weekend included an automatic-transmission Porsche-style vehicle that has a similar version in diesel format. In both automobiles, the roofs are made of laminated glass outfitted with a retrievable electric-powered awning.

As far as the 407 model is concerned -a newcomer in the Cuban market- this Peugeot darling got two enthusiastic thumbs up due to both its usefulness and adaptability to the island nation´s tropical weather conditions. The diesel and gas versions are equipped with gearboxes and automatic transmission ranging from four to six gears.

Peugeot´s representative in Cuba, Benoit Croonenberghs, was pleased by the turnout and the tremendous interest shown by the diplomats´ wives in the test-drive session.

"Our company is going to focus on the making of two new models in 2005: the 206 Special Wagon, a utility van whose adaptability to Cuba´s conditions could make a splash in the local market, and the 407 sedan, a car that has great chances of replacing the fleet of old 406s," Mr. Croonenberghs concluded.