Peugeot expects to become the first French automaker to sell 10,000 cars a year in Japan. The local distributor says the success of the compact 206, launched in May 1999, is the main reason for a 50% increase in sales this year.

Peugeot expects to sell 10,700 cars by the end of December, and has become one of only six foreign brands to breach the 10,000 annual sales barrier.