All-new Peugeot 508 unveiled in Sri Lanka

Wednesday, 7 December 2011 00:03 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Carmart (Pvt) Ltd., sole agents for Peugeot and Mazda in Sri Lanka, recently introduced the new Peugeot 508 executive saloon to the local market. The car is the first 5-series model to be launched by Peugeot in 32 years, since the iconic Peugeot 505 in the 1970s.

Singer Credit Director Janaka Mendis, Singer Operations Director Premalal De Silva, Singer Commercial Director Mahesh Wijewardene, Carmart Director/CEO Yasendra Amerasinghe, Carmart Deputy Chairman Anil Wijesinghe and Singer HR Director Chithral Perera

The Peugeot 508, voted ‘Best New Car of 2011’ at the Fleet World Honours 2011, sees the reputed French car manufacturer returning to building bigger, more spacious, and technologically advanced cars with dynamic handling and more refined and sophisticated styling, making it more popular with corporate executives not only in Sri Lanka, but also the world over.

“The Peugeot 508 revolves around the premise of ‘quality time’ – the concept of enjoyable moments of relaxation and enjoyment amidst the chaos that has become our everyday lives. It makes it possible for busy, hardworking professionals to enjoy luxury, comfort and safety during their time in the 508. The car has already proven popular amongst this segment and we are confident that it will become an iconic model in Peugeot’s history,” said Yasendra Amerasinghe, CEO of Carmart.

Indeed, the 508 has already won corporate hearts in the short time since it was introduced. Singer Sri Lanka PLC has purchased a fleet of these vehicles, and since then the model has charmed its way into the ranks of other Blue Chip companies such as Ernst and Young, ABC Shipping, and major banks.

Mahesh Wijewardene, Commercial Director of Singer, enthused, “We are truly happy to be proud owners of the all new Peugeot 508, having taken delivery of the first batch of vehicles. It is an extremely satisfying experience with the new car. We also see a new dimension in the customer care and after sales service of the longstanding Peugeot agent Carmart.”

“I have used the 508 for two months and my wife and I enjoy driving this excellent vehicle. The French have achieved a prefect design, a plush interior and the traditional level of comfort with an abundance of extras as well,” added Devaka Cooray, Partner at Ernst & Young.

The car’s turbocharged engine cranks out an impressive 156 bhp and 275 Nm of torque, propelling the large sedan to 100km/h a second quicker than the previous 407 2.2L. Its lightweight design, spacious interior and efficient aerodynamics coupled with Peugeot’s unmatched technological expertise and innovation greatly differentiate it from its competitors.

The Peugeot 508 has a keyless entry and start feature, where a proximity key system allows the vehicle to be locked, unlocked and started while the key is still in the driver’s pocket or bag. Furthermore, with a 5 star Euro NCAP crash rating, the Peugeot 508 provides a high level of active and passive safety with features such as emergency break assist, directional headlamps and traction control, offering optimum protection without compromising driving enjoyment.

Carmart has been a mainstay in the Sri Lankan automobile industry for almost 60 years and has now developed a new customer-centric philosophy under its new management to improve and grow its business, providing existing and new Peugeot and Mazda customers with a positive and satisfying experience for both sales and aftersales.