Peugeot has announced the discontinuation of its 508 model in Australia, marking the end of another mid-sized car in the market. This decision reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry, where traditional sedans and wagons are being phased out in favor of SUVs and electric vehicles.
Peugeot has axed the 508 in Australia, with only limited stock remaining of the plug-in hybrid liftback and wagon. The discontinuation is part of Peugeot's push towards electrification.
Peugeot CEO Lisa Jackson attributes the decision to the company's EV strategy, though disappointing sales likely played a role. The 508 model, launched in 2018, is set to end production globally in 2025.
In the UK, Peugeot will discontinue the 508 executive saloon and estate models due to zero-emission mandates. The pre-facelift 508 PSE (performance variant) was discontinued in February 2023.
This move signifies the end of an era for Peugeot's presence in the mid-sized car segment.
The decision aligns with a broader industry trend of prioritizing SUVs and electric vehicles over traditional sedans and wagons.
The discontinuation of the Peugeot 508 in Australia and other markets represents a significant shift in the automotive landscape. As manufacturers like Peugeot pivot towards electrification and SUVs, the mid-sized car segment continues to shrink, reflecting changing consumer preferences and regulatory pressures.