Citroen Reports Record Month And Quarter In France

PARIS, APRIL 3, 2009: With a 16.1% share of the French passenger car market in March, Citroën reported its highest monthly sales total in 35 years. Citroën took a 15.3% share of the passenger car market in the first three months of 2009, its best first quarter in 30 years. In a French passenger car (PC) market that contracted 3.9%, Citroën was the only French brand to increase sales (by 4.3%) in the first quarter. The Marque grew its market share by 1.2 points year-on-year to 15.3%.

This performance was driven by the success of Citroën’s recently launched vehicles. - The C4 Picasso (5- and 7-seater models) strengthened its position as France’s best-selling MPV in the first quarter. - The C5 confirmed its leadership in its segment with more than 8,000 registrations in the first three months of the year, for a total 33,800 registrations since launch one year ago. - The Berlingo has led its segment since the start of the year, with nearly 4,000 registrations in three months. - Lastly, the C3 Picasso, Citroën’s latest release, is living up to ambitions. Alain Favey, commercial director, France, said: “We are launching the C3 Picasso, our ‘space box’, in a favourable context for Citroën products. It has already received an excellent welcome, with more than 6,000 orders since launch.”

In addition, Citroën's B segment (compact) models are benefiting from the French goverment's scrapping bonus. Registrations of the C1, C2 and C3 rose 22% year-on-year in first-quarter 2009. In a French light commercial vehicle (LCV) market down more than 20%, Citroën held up well, growing market share by 2.6 points both for the month and year-to date.