Peugeot 3008.

HA NOI (Biz Hub) — French automaker Peugeot will transfer its manufacturing and assembling of the Peugeot 3008 to its Vietnamese partner, Thaco Group.

The Peugeot 3008, a 5-seater compact crossover launched in 2009, is one of the carmaker's strategic ventures into the global market and will provide a competitive option for Vietnamese customers.

The 2.0L diesel engine and six-speed manual model will be manufactured and assembled at Chu Lai Open Economic Zone in central Quang Nam Province.

Peugeot 3008. File Photos

General Director of Thaco's Passenger Car Company Bui Kim Kha, said Thaco will focus investment in expanding sales channels with around 14 showrooms nationwide.

This is the second contract signed by the French automaker and Thaco Group. The first deal was signed in April to provide a distribution network and local production for its 408 model.

The French group estimates as many as 300,000 new cars will be sold in Viet Nam by 2020. It expects the facility to produce up to 80 per cent of all Peugeot vehicles sold locally.

Peugeot is the third brand name to distribute through Thaco Group, after South Korea's Kia and Japan's Mazda brand. — VNS