One problem with a three-digit model naming strategy is that eventually you either run out of numbers or start repeating yourself. Peugeot has been using its three-digit codes since the 201 of 1929 without repetition but is running short of options for new generations. As a result the company has announced a fresh naming strategy to accompany the launch of the new 301.
The 301 is a small Spanish-built saloon for international markets. Peugeot won't be bringing it to Ireland, but it is expected to be one of the company's biggest sellers globally. It comes with 1.2- and 1.6-litre petrol or 1.6-litre diesel power. After being launched at this year's Paris Motor show the 301 will go on sale in Turkey from November. Other markets include Greece, Russia, The Middle East, Africa and certain Latin American markets.
With the 301 comes a new naming convention. In the future all of Peugeot's models for new markets will be identified by number codes ending in '1'. Mainstream models, such as those sold in Ireland, will use designations ending in '8'. These numbers will no longer change with each new generation, so the 308 and 3008 replacements, for example, will keep the same identity. Models that currently end in 7 will be replaced by those ending in 8.
The first digit will continue to represent a vehicle's market segment with the central '0' signifying 'the genetic code of the Peugeot marque' and an extra '0' identifying models with a taller body as in the 3008 and 5008.
Confused yet?