PEUGEOT'S 607 saloon is poised to make the French company Europe's leading top-range volume manufacture by 2001, managing director Frederic Saint-Geours claimed at the Frankfurt International Motor Show.

Due to go on sale in Britain in March the car's classic styling and state-of-the-art handling would win wide appeal, said Saint-Geours when the car made its world debut. 'We are aiming to reach the heartland of the executive car market and have produced a pleasing response to the varied needs of the customer. This is a powerful, satisfying but very relaxing vehicle to drive,' he said. 'People in this segment expect a product which is refined and reflects good taste. We're confident the 607 meets those requirements.'

Saint-Geours used the launch event to announce that the 500,000th Peugeot 206 has been produced only 12 months after it was launched and becomes the company's fastest-selling car. Built at two locations in France and in Coventry, the hatchback range is listed as a top-10 seller in all European markets. At the Coventry assembly plant, output has doubled to 4,000 weekly.