Imports of the Space Star/Mirage small car, the brand’s best-seller in Europe, and L200 pickup are expected to continue until the end of 2021. The source said those two models won't be enough. “Without the SUVs," the source said, "there is no business.”

It was the best result for Europe's largest vehicle market this year and a big change from declines ranging from more than 60 percent to more than 30 percent between March and June.

Among the brands to report sales increases in July were Lada, Hyundai, Skoda and VW, data from the Association of European Businesses (AEB) showed.

As PSA reintroduces the Peugeot brand in North America after nearly three decades, the automaker will take a digital-first approach, U.S. boss Larry Dominique said.