Citroen set another worldwide sales record in 2005 with nearly 1.4 million products from the French car maker finding new owners, boosting Citroen's European market share to 6.7 per cent, while worldwide its sales rose by 15.9 per cent thanks, in part, to the fact that Citroen now offers its largest ever range of cars and commercial vehicles.

In Europe outside France: steady market share of 5.4 per cent with a stable volume of 761,000 vehicles, while in France: car/LCV volumes up 3.1 per cent with 342,000 vehicles sold, and market share of 14 per cent in 2005, up from 13.7 per cent in 2004.

Citroën reported a 15.9 per cent increase in car/LCV sales elsewhere in the world:

• Sales up 11 per cent in central Europe:
• Sales up 34 per cent in China in a market that increased by 26 per cent, with car/LCV market share of 3.2 per cent in 2005, compared with 3 per cent in 2004;
• Sales up 48 per cent in Argentina in a market that expanded by 36 per cent, for market share of 3.2 per cent in 2005, compared with 2.9 per cent in 2004;
• Sales up 30 per cent in Brazil in a market that grew by 5 per cent, for market share of 1.7 per cent in 2005, compared with 1.4 per cent in 2004.

For Citroën, the key event in 2005 was the expansion of its range, which is now the widest in its entire history:

• The launch of the C1 and the presentation of the C6 at the Geneva and Frankfurt Motor Shows;
• Upgrades to the supermini range in September 2005 in terms of styling and engines, with the new HDi 110 DPFS engine on the C3 and the HDi 55 on the C1;
• Vehicles featuring innovations in environmental protection: the C3 CNG, C3 Stop & Start and C2 Stop & Start.

In the sporting arena, Citroën enjoyed a brilliant season in the World Rally Championship, clinching the Manufacturers' crown for the third year running. At the same time, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena claimed their second Drivers' title. In the Junior World Rally Championship, Daniel Sordo and Marc Marti took the title with their C2 Super 1600.

Increased registrations in Western Europe in a stable market environment

In Europe 18 countries, against a backdrop of difficult market conditions and increasingly fierce competition, Citroën demonstrated its resilience. The marque sold 1,101,300 cars/LCVs, a 1.3 per cent increase on the previous year, for market share of 6.7 per cent, compared with 6.6 per cent in 2004.

In the car market, Citroën registrations rose 1.1 per cent in a market that dipped by 0.2 per cent, while market share rose slightly to 6.2 per cent, up from 6.1 per cent in 2004. In the LCV market, Citroën reported a 2 per cent sales increase in Europe, in a market that grew by 3 per cent.

In France, 2005 was a satisfying year. Following a good first six months, the situation gradually became more difficult in the second half of the year, with competition becoming increasingly intense.

In a car/LCV market that grew by 2.7 per cent, Citroën reported market share of 14 per cent in 2005, compared with 13.7 per cent in 2004. The marque is up by 5.2 per cent - double the rate of market growth - to report the market's strongest increase in terms of absolute value (an increase of 17,124 units).

Citroen performed particularly well on the car market. The marque increased registrations by 5.7 per cent on 2004, in a market that grew by just 2.7 per cent, to achieve market share of 13.1 per cent in 2005, compared with 12.8 per cent in 2004.

In its first full year on the market, the C4 totalled 63,800 registrations. The new C1, which arrived on the market at the end of the year, reported 5,800 registrations.

As in 2004, Citroën focused on consumer sales, increasing its market share in this segment. In the LCV market, Citroën posted a sales increase of 3.4 per cent in a market that grew by 2.9 per cent. The fleet versions of the C2 (up 13.9 per cent) and C4 were driving forces for sales growth in the car-derived segment. Further up the market, the Jumpy/Dispatch and Jumper/Relay also reported sales increases of 1.9 per cent and 4.9 per cent respectively. At the same time, the C15 is enjoying a brilliant final phase in its career with a 15.3 per cent rise in sales. Building on this consistent performance, Citroën took second place in the LCV market.

In Germany, in a car/LCV segment that grew by 1.7 per cent, Citroën reported a 20.3 per cent increase in sales. The marque beat its sales record in this country, with 80,000 vehicles registered in 2005 and market share of 2.3 per cent, compared with 1.9 per cent in 2004.

This performance can be attributed essentially to car sales, which rose by 21.2 per cent in a market that expanded by 1.7 per cent. Citroën had car market share of 2.2 per cent in 2005, versus 1.8 per cent in 2004. The marque placed the emphasis on consumer sales, thus boosting its share of this market to 3.2 per cent in 2005, compared with 2.5 per cent in 2004.

Building on the momentum provided by the market launch of the C4, Citroën posted a significant 62 per cent increase in sales volumes in the M1 segment for market share of 2.7 per cent in 2005, compared with 1.8 per cent in 2004. The C4 is now Citroën's second most popular vehicle, just behind the Berlingo, which consolidated its first place with a 6 per cent increase in deliveries. For the first time, the Berlingo became the leading imported vehicle in its segment. At the same time, deliveries of the Xsara Picasso rose by 37 per cent in 2005. Citroën increased its market share in the M2 segment to 1.6 per cent in 2005, up from 1.3 per cent in 2004. The new look C5 reported a 26 per cent increase in sales volumes. In the large people-carrier segment, the C8 boosted its market share to 4.3 per cent in 2005, compared with 3.8 per cent in 2004.

In the LCV segment, Citroën increased sales by 2 per cent in a market that also grew by 2 per cent.

In the UK, Citroën reported a 5.5 per cent drop in sales in a market that contracted by 4.6 per cent, for steady market share of 4.4 per cent.

In a car market that contracted by 5 per cent, Citroën maintained market share of 4.1 per cent. The marque focused on consumer sales, increasing its market share in this segment from 5.1 per cent in 2004 to 5.4 per cent in 2005.

In its first full year on the market, the C4 significantly boosted sales, allowing Citroën to claim a 6.6 per cent share of the M1 segment. The Xsara Picasso remains the marque's best-selling model, with more than 31,000 units sold.

In Italy, in a car/LCV market that contracted by 1.7 per cent, Citroën reported a 12.2 per cent drop in sales volumes for market share of 5.6 per cent in 2005, compared with 6.3 per cent in 2004.

In a car market that contracted by 1.3 per cent, Citroën reported market share of 5.8 per cent in 2005, compared with 6.5 per cent in 2004.

The downturn compared with 2004 can be explained in part by Citroën's withdrawal from some fleet categories with low margins. The marque focused on consumer sales, posting market share of 7.2 per cent in this segment, compared with 3 per cent in other markets. Highlights in 2005 included the launch of the C1, which has totalled 7,000 orders since June 2005.

In its first full year on the market, the C4 claimed 6 per cent of the M1 segment, where estate vehicles account for half of the offering. The C3 remains Citroën's best-selling model, with more than 52,000 units sold. Citroën has market share of 7 per cent in the supermini segment.

In the LCV segment, the marque had market share of 3.5 per cent.

In Spain, Citroën broke its sales record, with 213,000 registrations. It holds the No. 2 position, with market share of 11.1 per cent in 2005.

In the car market too, Citroën occupies the No. 2 position with market share of 10.7 per cent. It is No. 1 in consumer sales, with market share of 13 per cent.

Citroën remains the leader in the LCV market, with market share of 13 per cent. It has held this position for ten years running.

In Belgium and Luxembourg, in a car/LCV market that was slightly down on the previous year, Citroën grew sales by 0.4 per cent to take market share of 10.1 per cent in 2005, equivalent to that of 2004. In the car segment, Citroën maintained a stable position, with market share of 9.7 per cent in a market that contracted by 1 per cent. With almost 8,900 vehicles sold, the C4 is No. 2 in its segment.

In the LCV segment that expanded by 6 per cent, Citroën reported a 5 per cent increase in sales for market share of 12.6 per cent.

In the Netherlands, the 6.9 per cent downturn in the car/LCV market can be attributed primarily to a 16 per cent fall in consumer sales in 2004. At the same time, the fleet and leasing market grew by 5 per cent.

Against this backdrop, Citroën - which is more strongly focused on the consumer market - saw its market share fall from 5 per cent in 2004 to 4.8 per cent in 2005.

In the car segment, the results of the C4 (market share of 1 per cent) and the C1 (800 registrations) are in line with the targets set. The Xsara Picasso and C3 both have almost 1 per cent of the market.

In the LCV segment, the marque had market share of 4.8 per cent.

In Austria, in a car/LCV market that contracted by 1 per cent, Citroën reported a 17.4 per cent increase in sales on 2004, for market share of 4.2 per cent, compared with 3.5 per cent in 2004.

The marque posted sales of 14,000 units - its best ever result in this country - and Citroën now ranks among Austria's ten most popular vehicle manufacturers.

Results were particularly good in the car segment, where Citroën increased sales by 17.5 per cent to take market share of 4 per cent, compared with 3.4 per cent in 2004. The Xsara Picasso, which boosted sales by 34 per cent on 2004, played a key role in this achievement.

In the LCV segment, Citroën grew sales by 15 per cent for market share of 5.6 per cent, compared with 4.8 per cent in 2004.

In Sweden, Citroën performed particularly well. The marque increased car/LCV registrations by 16.7 per cent in a market that expanded by 4.6 per cent, boosting its market share from 4.2 per cent in 2004 to 4.6 per cent in 2005.

In a car segment that expanded by 3.8 per cent, Citroën boosted volumes by 20.5 per cent, increasing its market share from 3.6 per cent in 2004 to 4.1 per cent in 2005. This performance can be attributed primarily to the success of the C4, the strong sales growth of the Xsara Picasso and the C5, and the steady performance of the C3.

In an LCV market that grew by 12 per cent, Citroën posted a sales increase of 3 per cent.

In Switzerland, in a car/LCV market that contracted by 2.2 per cent in 2004, Citroën increased its sales by 5.3 per cent. With market share of 4.7 per cent, compared with 4.3 per cent in 2004, Citroën consolidated its position among Switzerland's top ten manufacturers.

In the car segment, Citroën had market share of 4.3 per cent, compared with 4 per cent in 2004.

With the arrival of the C4, the marque was able to boost its sales by 44 per cent in the M1 segment. The C8 is No. 2 in its segment. The Berlingo is also No. 2 in its segment. Citroën continued to grow LCV sales with market share of 10 per cent in 2005, compared with 9.3 per cent in 2004. The marque is currently fifth in the rankings of LCV importers. The Berlingo and Jumpy hold the No. 2 position in their respective segments, while sales of the Jumper grew by 12 per cent.

In Portugal, in a car/LCV market that expanded by 1.6 per cent, Citroën increased registrations by 4.8 per cent and raised its market share to 8.8 per cent, compared with 8.5 per cent in 2004.

In the car segment, the marque reported a 7.6 per cent increase in sales in a market that expanded by just 3 per cent.

Citroën boosted its sales by 60 per cent in the M1 segment, compared with 2004. The Xsara Picasso has 20 per cent of the M1 people-carrier segment, where it occupies the No. 2 position. The C4 has a 15 per cent share of the M1 coupé segment and an 8 per cent share of the hatchback segment. In the M2 segment, Citroën posted a 32 per cent increase in sales.

In the LCV market, Citroën is in third position. The C2, C3 and C4 fleet versions reported a 2 per cent increase in sales to take a 13 per cent share of this segment. The Berlingo has a 22 per cent share of the compact MPV segment. The Jumpy and Jumper grew sales by 8 per cent to take 12 per cent of their segment.

In Denmark, Citroën boosted sales by 14.1 per cent in a car/LCV market that expanded by 21.7 per cent, while also reporting a slight downturn in its market share, which stood at 7.7 per cent in 2005, compared with 8.2 per cent in 2004. Citroën now ranks among the top five manufacturers in Denmark.

The C5 posted a 10 per cent sales increase in the fleet market, while the C3 and C4 both exceeded their respective targets. The Berlingo has a 65 per cent share of its segment, where it remains No. 1.

In an LCV market that continued to pursue the strong growth reported in 2004, Citroën held on to fourth place. A 15 per cent increase in sales of the Berlingo contributed to this result.

In Norway, in a car/LCV market that contracted by 1.9 per cent, Citroën maintained its market share at 3.7 per cent.

In the car segment, the C4 exceeded targets and the brand reported steady market share of 2.7 per cent in 2005.

In an LCV segment that grew by 7 per cent, Citroën had market share of 5.1 per cent.

In Finland, Citroën reported stable car/LCV sales with 8,000 vehicles sold in a market that grew by 2 per cent. In the car segment, the marque reported steady volumes in a market that expanded by 4 per cent, thanks to a rise in sales of the C4 in second-half 2005. In the LCV segment, Citroën boosted its market share from 7.4 per cent in 2004 to 7.8 per cent in 2005.

In Greece, Citroën reported car/LCV market share of 4.7 per cent, compared with 5.5 per cent in 2004. The car market contracted by 6.3 per cent, a downturn that can be explained by falling fleet sales in the wake of the market upswing attributable to the 2004 Olympic Games.

In Ireland, in a car/LCV market that expanded by 13.2 per cent, Citroën increased registrations by 21 per cent to take market share of 3.2 per cent in 2005. In the car segment, which grew by 11.4 per cent, Citroën posted a 22 per cent rise in sales, mainly thanks to the success of the C4, for market share of 2.4 per cent, compared with 2.2 per cent in 2004.

In the countries of central Europe, Citroën proved its resilience in a sluggish market environment.

In Poland, Citroën held up well, despite a 24 per cent downturn in the car/LCV market caused by mass imports of used vehicles in 2004 and 2005. The marque boosted its market share from 3.9 per cent in 2004 to 5.5 per cent in 2005, a figure that corresponds to a 7 per cent rise in volumes. In the car segment, the market plunged by 27 per cent, but Citroën increased sales by 12 per cent.

In Hungary, in a car/LCV market that contracted by 4 per cent, Citroën's market share dipped to 3.5 per cent, compared with 3.7 per cent in 2004.

In the Czech Republic, in a car/LCV market that expanded by 4 per cent, Citroën increased sales by 13 per cent to take market share of 3.7 per cent, compared with 3.4 per cent in 2004. The marque made particularly strong progress in the M1 and M2 segments, where it boosted sales by 21 per cent and 14 per cent respectively. Sales in the B segment followed market trends, with a 4 per cent increase.

In Croatia, Citroën followed the trend of the car/LCV market that grew by 2 per cent, holding its market share steady at 8.8 per cent. In the car segment, the C4 was voted Car of the Year 2005, taking market share of 2 per cent. In an LCV segment that expanded by 14 per cent, Citroën posted a 31 per cent increase in sales to take market share of 17 per cent, compared with 14.8 per cent in 2005. The Marque is now No. 2 in this market.

In Slovakia, Citroën posted a strong performance in the car/LCV market, boosting sales by 26 per cent in a car/LCV market that grew by 5 per cent. The brand's market share rose from 5.5 per cent in 2004 to 6.6 per cent in 2005.

In the car segment, Citroën reported a 26 per cent rise in sales in a market that expanded by 1 per cent. In an LCV market that expanded by 29 per cent, Citroën grew sales by 29 per cent.

In Slovenia, in a car/LCV market that contracted by 4 per cent on 2004, Citroën reported a 2 per cent downturn in sales. At the same time, the Marque increased its market share from 8.9 per cent in 2004 to 9.1 per cent in 2005.

In the car segment, the C4 had market share of 1.2 per cent for its first full year on the market. Citroën was No. 4 in the car segment and No. 2 in the LCV segment.

Strong growth in results elsewhere in the world

Citroën reported a 26 per cent rise in sales elsewhere in the world in 2005, with 244,000 vehicles sold.

Citroën posted a strong surge in results in Mercosur, as well as making progress in other South American countries, despite the weakness of the dollar in the first seven months of the year.

In Argentina, Citroën increased car/LCV sales by 48 per cent, outpacing the market, which expanded by 36 per cent. At the same time, the marque boosted its market share from 2.9 per cent in 2004 to 3.2 per cent in 2005. At the same time, the launch of the Xsara Picasso 1.6 in September 2005 boosted sales of this model by 30 per cent.

In Brazil, Citroën reported net sales growth of 30 per cent in a market that grew by 5 per cent. The marque thus increased its market share from 1.4 per cent in 2004 to 1.7 per cent in 2005, thanks primarily to the new version of the C3 1.4 and the launch of the C3 Flex Fuel, which is able to run on petrol or alcohol.

The Chinese market, which now totals around 3,200,000 cars, resumed a strong pace of growth, after slowing down in the second half of 2004. The rate of growth gathered even more pace in the second half of the year (38 per cent) to reach an average of 26 per cent for the year.

The year 2005 saw a massive roll-out of new models by most of Citroën's competitors. Against this backdrop, Citroën boosted sales volumes by 34 per cent to reach 103,000 vehicles, and increased its market share from 3 per cent in 2004 to 3.2 per cent in 2005.

In Turkey, Citroën boosted sales volumes by 28 per cent in a market that remained stable. The marque had market share of 2.2 per cent, compared with 1.7 per cent in 2004.

In Russia, Citroën reported a 59 per cent increase in sales with 6,900 vehicles sold.

In Bulgaria, Citroën grew sales by 50 per cent in a car/LCV market that expanded by 34 per cent. The brand ranks No. 5 on the market, with market share of 8.4 per cent in 2005, compared with 7.5 per cent in 2004.

In Romania, Citroën reported a 102 per cent increase in sales, outpacing the highly buoyant market that itself expanded by 74 per cent.

In South Africa, Citroën boosted registrations by 21 per cent, thanks in particular to the success of the C2 and also the C4, launched in April.

In Japan, Citroën saw sales rise by 9 per cent. The C4, voted Imported Car of the Year by the RJC (Automotive Researchers' & Journalists' Conference of Japan) was launched in June and has received a warm welcome.

In Israel, where Asian vehicle manufacturers are making strong progress, Citroën grew sales by 4 per cent, with more than 6,000 vehicles sold in 2005.

In Australia, Citroën reported 3,000 registrations, a 25 per cent increase.

In French overseas departments and territories, Citroën posted a 10 per cent increase in sales to take market share of 11 per cent.

In Morocco, Citroën grew sales by 11 per cent in a market that expanded by 18 per cent.

The broadest and richest range in Citroën history

The main highlights for Citroën in 2005 were:

• The presentation of the C6 at the Geneva Motor Show. Citroën's new flagship saloon combines elegance and sophistication with leading-edge technology. The C6 performed brilliantly in EuroNCAP crash tests. With a 5-star rating for adult protection and 4 stars for child protection, it ranks among the leaders in the executive segment. The C6 is also the first car to obtain the maximum 4-star rating for pedestrian protection It will be launched in first-half 2006.
• The market launch of the C1 supermini, presented at Geneva and released in June 2005, Citroën's entry-range offering. A cheerful, attractive and compact car designed to carry four people, the C1 is uncompromising on safety, quality and roadholding.
• Upgrades to the engines in the supermini range. Building on the success of its superminis, Citroën is continuing to expand the range. In 2005, it brought to market a C3 with an HDi 110 engine fitted with the DPFS. At the same time, the C3 gained new interior styling with a new dashboard - also found on the C2 and C3 Pluriel - and new door panels and trim. In terms of exterior styling, the C3 also acquired a new, more expressive, front end.
• The C4 is consolidating its commercial success in most countries. It has sold more than 200,000 units in western Europe to take market share of 1.3 per cent.
• In terms of innovation, Citroën demonstrated its technological expertise once more, with a range of functions designed to enhance safety and driving comfort. On the C6, key features include active suspension with electronically controlled springing and damping for a "magic carpet ride", a head-up display that projects essential driving information (speed, navigation, etc.) onto the windscreen, and an active bonnet system that raises the bonnet automatically in the event of pedestrian impact. Without forgetting the lane departure warning system (LDWS), the xenon dual-function directional headlamps, cruise control and a speed limiter.
• In terms of environmental protection, Citroën has developed solutions focusing on quality of life in the city with the C3 Stop & Start and - in the near future - the C2 Stop & Start. Both models cut fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by around 10 per cent over an urban cycle. In partnership with French gas utility Gaz de France, Citroën has developed the C3 1.4i Compressed Natural Gas. This petrol/natural gas dual-fuel vehicle, which can be recharged at home, is designed for customers living in houses with a natural gas supply.
• Lastly, Citroën enjoyed a remarkable sporting year in 2005, with its success in the World Rally Championship. The marque won its third successive Manufacturers' title, while Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena claimed the Drivers' title for the second year running. In the Junior World Rally Championship, Daniel Sordo and Marc Marti took the title with their C2 Super 1600.

Citroen C4 VTS coupe

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