Peugeot enjoyed a record year in the UK with sales nudging over 200,000 for the first time.

The Coventry firm’s market share rose above 8.5 per cent for the first time as 189,145 new cars and 12,045 light commercial vehicles were sold.

The Peugeot 206, which is made at Ryton, led the charge, becoming the first car from the firm to top 80,000 sales.

Production figures at the factory were up 15 per cent, despite industrial action affecting output briefly in the summer. In total 190,000 vehicles were produced.

And for the 13th consecutive year, Peugeot topped the list of diesel sales.

The figures cemented Peugeot’s position as the third biggest car manufacturer in the country.

While the overall year 2000 UK new car market showed a growth of just 1.1 per cent over 1999, to 2.22 million, Peugeot’s new car sales were up 4.7 per cent.

The 206 was key to this, taking a market share of 3.65% – the highest-ever for a Peugeot model. The Coventry-built 206 has won the heart of private buyers, who made it Britain’s best-selling retail car. Three out of every four 206s sold were bought by private buyers.

Sales of other Peugeot models also increased significantly. The 306, in its last full year of production, achieved sales of over 43,000, bringing total sales since launch to over 422,000, just 2,500 short of Peugeot’s bestseller to date, the iconic 205.

The 406 was the best-selling diesel car, followed by 306. The 406 was voted the Best Family Car (Diesel Car Awards), Best Upper Medium Diesel (CAP) and Best Diesel Car (Fleet News Awards).

Light commercial vehicle sales were equally impressive. The major success story was the Boxer. Sales increased by over 17 per cent, and it was once again the most popular choice of base vehicle in the Motorhome Market.

In addition, the 206 Van took the number two spot in the small van market, with sales of over 1,000 since its launch in April 2000.

Tod Evans, managing director of Peugeot UK, said:

"It’s been a fantastic year. At a time when the overall market has risen by only 1.1 per cent, and when factory closures have resulted in predictions of doom and gloom for the UK car industry, we are delighted to have achieved such significant results.

“They reflect the strengths of our products and the skills of our workforce.

"With new vehicles such as the 206 Coupé Cabriolet and the replacement for the 306 going on sale in 2001, I feel confident that Peugeot is set to enjoy another great year."