Peugeot has passed a significant milestone in the production of its 206 model. For, with 3,600 units assembled daily at seven manufacturing plants worldwide, the 206 passed the barrier of three million cars produced.

Thanks to the "daisy strategy", the 206 range is currently available in three- and five-door, coupé-cabriolet and SW versions powered by petrol and diesel engines developing from around 70 to 138 horsepower. A new model, the sporty 206 RC, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, goes on sale shortly.

This three millionth unit, produced at Peugeot's historic Mulhouse plant and destined for the German market, is an aluminium grey three-door, powered by a 1.4-litre engine. In Germany the 206, during its first year on sale, was awarded the Golden Steering wheel and voted the Best Imported Small Car.

The 206 is adding sporting trophies to its sales success. For the third year in a row, it has been crowned World Rally Champion. Its recent success in the Australia rally is added to a list of 20 wins in three seasons, including eight double first and second places for the current season alone.

The 206 has quickly imposed itself as the benchmark, managing to reconcile, via its much-praised styling, values that are generally completely opposed: dynamism on the one hand and comfort and safety on the other.

With almost 600,000 models sold at the end of the first nine months of 2002, the 206 is marketed in 121 countries. By the end of September, in Western Europe, registrations had already reached over 466,500, representing a 4.2 per cent market share, confirming the 206's position as the most sold passenger car.

The results obtained by the 206 over the first nine months of the year play an important part in Peugeot's sales performance in the 17 European countries over the same period. In fact, at the end of September, Peugeot, with an increase in volume of 1.9 per cent (995,500 registrations) has 8.9 per cent of the passenger car market, versus 8.5 per cent in 2001.