Peugeot plans to halve the number of models in its line-up, from 26 to 13, over the next few years as part of a new strategy to move the brand upmarket and focus on profitable channels.

Its new ‘Move Upmarket' strategy includes a greater focus on the retail market and those areas of the fleet sector which do not involve heavy discounting.

Once the slim-down is complete Peugeot will have four small cars, five medium-sized models and four in what it calls the C-SUV/D categories.

The range will still extend from the 108 to the 508, but there will be fewer niche models in-between and every car will be suitable for every market in which Peugeot operates.

One of the first victims of the cull will be the company's small coupé-cabriolet. When the 207 CC comes to the end of its life within the next few month it will not be replaced by a 208 version and the factory space in Madrid where it is built will be turned over to Citroën production.

CEO Maxime Picat said the exact composition of the 13 models Peugeot will concentrate on in future will be decided as replacements are introduced, depending on market requirements at the time.

He said that 94% of the models Peugeot sells are already represented by the cars that the brand will focus on.

"We will gain some sales by moving into new markets," Picat added.

Peugeot's new 508 saloon and estate models are tasked with helping convince company drivers that products from the French firm can now be compared with models made by premium manufacturers.