Pouncing into Malaysia in 2024, CKD Peugeot 408 begins deliveries in Vietnam

No longer looking like an awkward sedan, the all-new Peugeot 408 has evolved into a sleek coupe-like crossover and it will be launching in Malaysia. The all-new 408 is expected to make its launch here by next year and regionally, it is currently on sale in Vietnam.

Over there, the Peugeot 408 is locally assembled (CKD) at THACO Group’s Chu Lai plant and according to a LinkedIn post by Jérôme Micheron, Senior Vice President Head of Peugeot, deliveries for the crossover have commenced 6 weeks ahead of schedule.

Aside from Peugeot, THACO Group also assembles Kia, Mazda, and BMW models for the Vietnamese and international markets. For Malaysian context, it is similar to Inokom with its Kulim plant contracted to assemble various models for brands like Hyundai, BMW, Mazda, Porsche, Kia, and Chery.

Vietnam is the first market in Southeast Asia to launch the CKD Peugeot 408 which is available in 3 variants and priced between VND 999 million to VND 1.249 billion (~RM 192k-241k). All 3 variants are powered by the 1.6-litre Turbo PureTech engine (218 PS/300 Nm) paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

Also read: The all-new 2022 Peugeot 408 crossover makes you forget about its awkward sedan past

Peugeot was seen with high regard in Vietnam as a choice among the country’s elite up to the 1970s. The brand made a return in 2013 to an entirely different market with a growing middle-income group of buyers.

Also read: The Peugeot 405 was the last great French car sold in Malaysia

The automotive landscape in Vietnam seems unusual compared to the rest of Southeast Asia though it is one of the fastest growing in the region. Buyers generally favour Korean brands over Japanese makes while the country’s best-selling pick-up truck is the Ford Ranger.

Also read: A rare spot in ASEAN not dominated by Toyota - Mitsubishi Xpander leads Vietnam's H1 2023, Ford Ranger No.2

Yet as seen by the likes of Mitsubishi which debuted the XFC Concept, the precursor to the production Xforce and Peugeot launching the locally assembled 408, the Vietnamese automotive industry is not be taken lightly.

Still, Peugeot’s parent company, Stellantis, sees Malaysia as an important hub. It fully owns the Gurun automotive plant which currently produces the Peugeot 2008, Peugeot 3008, and Peugeot 5008 which are also exported to other markets in the region including Thailand and Indonesia.

As reported by CarSifu, the French Lion is looking to launch at least 3 models in Malaysia in 2024 which are the 408, the e-2008, and the CKD Landtrek. Though it remains uncertain whether the 408 and e-2008 will be locally assembled, Stellantis Chief Operating Officer (COO) for the ASEAN region, Daniel Gonzalez, revealed that Peugeot’s new Malaysian model lineup will comprise a mix of CKD and CBU (fully imported) cars.

Also read: Set to pounce: All-new Peugeot 408, e-2008 BEV, and CKD Landtrek confirmed for Malaysia in 2024