The UK is proving to be one bright spot in Europe for Peugeot with 4,500 orders for the 208 in February and retail sales up 30 per cent.

And Maxine Picat, director general of Automobiles Peugeot, at the Geneva Motor Show today said Peugeot is on track to have 50 per cent of its sales outside Europe by 2015 with the 208 and 301 doing particularly well, he said.

The 301 was unveiled at the Paris show last year and is specifically aimed at overseas markets.

Unveiling the 2008 compact crossover at Geneva, Picat said that it had been designed in and for South America, China and Europe and would help Peugeot continue its overseas sales drive.

The 2008 will go on sale in the UK in July with starting prices below £13,000.