KUALA LUMPUR: Nasim Sdn Bhd, the distributor of Peugeot cars in Malaysia, will launch the highly-anticipated all-new Peugeot 408 next week.

The car, previously codenamed T73, is Peugeot's latest model in the C-segment.

"By combining the dynamism typical of a Peugeot and a high-level of comfort and premium quality, the all-new 408 is set to redefine Malaysia's C-segment market," Naza group joint executive chairman SM Nasarudin SM Nasimuddin said in a statement.

The 408 will be available in two variants, with one fitted with an enhanced fuel-efficient engine that produces the most power in its segment.

It is locally-assembled at Naza Automotive Manufacturing (NAM) in Gurun, Kedah, and is ready to be launched for both the Malaysian and regional markets.

"We are aim to produce 60,000 units of the all-new 408, over a five-year period beginning 2012 and we plan to export 60 per cent of that total to markets in the region," Nasarudin said.

Peugeot distributors from Australia, Thailand, Taiwan, Indonesia, Singapore, Hong Kong, Sri Lanka, Brunei, the Philippines and Bangladesh visited NAM last week to get a closer look and test drive the all-new 408.

"The distributors were both impressed and excited over the all-new 408 and will soon place orders to launch the Malaysian-made 408 in their respective countries in the coming months," Nasarudin said.

Nasim chief operating officer Datuk Samson Anand George said the 408 will contribute significantly to the company's sales target of 9,300 units this year, up 72 per cent jump from its sales in 2011.