French automaker Peugeot signed a dealership contract with AG Motors (a subsidiary of Anwar Group) last Tuesday, 5th of April at Dhaka Westin. Didier Richard, Director - Head of Sales and Marketing for India and Asia Pacific region of PSA Peugeot Citroen, and Karl Bouche, oordinator for India and Asia Pacific region of PSA Peugeot Citroen along with Sophie Aubert, French ambassador and Hossain Khaled, managing director of AG Motors, were present at the event.

AG Motors will initially bring two models, the 2008 mini-SUV and the 508 sub-executive sedan. Expect low displacement, 3 cylinder turbo motors, much along the lines of marques such as Ford and BMW - not much displacement, but more than enough power and efficiency. Top of the line 6 speed automatics are to be paired with these motors to provide the most efficient driving experience, as stated. 70 % of Bangladeshi automobile demand lies below the 1.5 liter segment because it enjoys a relatively smaller tax slap of 137% on the MRP. Therefore, the vehicles to be imported will mostly have drivetrain within that, as indicated by the 2008 and further two anticipated models. Furthermore, all vehicles that will be brought into the local market will be of European origin.

The targeted timeline for the first launch is the last quarter of 2016. The pricing structures of the Peugeots are still under development. Each sale will come with a minimum of two years warranty.

The event also hinted at the possibility of another French brand, Citroen, hitting the Bangladeshi streets in the near future.