Peugeot has started production of the 2008 crossover in Brazil, at the Porto Real plant. The French carmaker says the 2008 is the first car to illustrate its targeted product strategy at the global level.

The strategy aims to ensure better market coverage, while shifting from a regional to a global way of doing business. It’s also one of the key objectives of PSA’s “Back in the Race” recovery plan outlined by CEO Carlos Tavares.

Following its European launch in April 2013, followed by North Africa and Asia (it has been available in China since April 2014), the Peugeot 2008 now arrives in Brazil, one of the countries which contributed to the model’s design and development, alongside other R&D teams from France and China.

“The production start-up of the Peugeot 2008 in Porto Real is a testament to the excellent work done by our R&D center and our styling team in Latin America,” said Carlos Gomes, Senior Vice President Latin America for PSA Peugeot Citroën.

The Peugeot 2008 has so far exceeded PSA’s expectations, with the automaker producing more than 286,000 units worldwide since its launch. For the Brazilian market, the Peugeot 2008 is offered with the turbocharged 1.6-liter THP four-cylinder petrol that also runs on ethanol (when on ethanol, the unit produces 173hp). Peugeot also offers a naturally-aspirated 1.6-liter version.

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