- Worldwide sales up 0.4% to 1,547,000
- Sales advance in Europe, China, India-Pacific, and Middle East & Africa – now the Group’s third largest growth market
- The Group consolidates its position as European leader in CO2 emission reduction with average CO2 emissions of 106.9g/km in the first five months of 2015, thanks in particular to the popularity and performance of its three-cylinder petrol range.
Consolidated sales in Europe rose 2.9% year on year to 984,000.
Peugeot sales were up 6.7% as a result of the excellent performance delivered by the Peugeot 308, the third bestselling model in the C segment (sedans and estates) in Europe and the segment leader in France. In the B-SUV segment, the Peugeot 2008 held onto its no. 2 ranking in Europe with 57% of sales generated on the two highest trim levels.
Citroën registrations climbed 2.8% in the first half, reflecting the brand repositioning begun a year ago, its wellrounded sales policy and the success of its latest passenger car models. The Citroën C4 Cactus generated sales of more than 43,000 units over the period and was well received by international critics, garnering awards such as “World Car Design of the Year” in New York in April. Sales of the new Citroën C1 came in at 32,000 units, a staggering 54% higher than the previous version.
DS sales jumped 14.8% between the first and second quarters to reach 40,700 units, driven by the launch of the new DS 5. The brand pursued its long-term premium positioning strategy during the period, launching “1955” limited edition models across the range to mark the 60th anniversary of the very first DS.
First-half 2015 also saw the opening of several new DS Stores, most recently in Paris, Geneva, Luxembourg and Milan, taking the DS network’s total to 9 DS STORE and 65 DS SALON.
Maxime Picat, Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot brand said: “With worldwide sales up 3.9%, led by the resounding success of the 308 and our best-in-class technology, the Peugeot brand has confirmed its pulling power and sent a message of confidence about the future.”
Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Citroën brand said: “Boosted by the success of its recent launches, Citroën continued to make headway in the first half of the year with higher volumes in Europe. In China, the Citroën C3-XR SUV made an excellent market debut following its launch at the end of December. We are pursuing the worldwide repositioning we began just one year ago, as demonstrated by the Citroën Aircross concept unveiled in April. The concept reflects our ability to flout convention in all segments.”