11-month review 2025: A year of two speeds for Citroën in Europe

As we approach the final days of 2025, it is time for an initial assessment. Although the definitive, consolidated figures for the European automotive market in November have not yet been released by the ACEA, the available data allows us to identify a clear trend. I invite you today to review the first 11 months for Citroën, which, as you will see, reveals a year split in two, with two semesters showing radically different dynamics.

A remarkable turnaround in a complex market

To understand the current dynamic, we must look back and analyze the cumulative performance at the end of October 2025. Over the first ten months of the year, the European Union market showed slight growth of +1.4%, totaling 8,974,026 units sold. In this context, Citroën posted a decline of -1.7%, with 276,641 units sold, maintaining its market share at 3%.

While this figure might seem negative at first glance, it actually demonstrates a resilience far superior to that of other major players in the group. During the same period, Peugeot declined by -2%, and Stellantis as a whole dropped by -6%. However, the turnaround becomes obvious when comparing these data with the mid-year situation. Let us recall: in June 2025, the brand was suffering a severe loss of -13%, while the market was down by -1.9%. At that time, Peugeot was still managing to gain 1.1%. The trend has therefore completely reversed in the second half of the year.

The analysis of November figures for the main European countries (representing about 80% of the global volume) confirms this acceleration. While these major markets grew by +1.41%, Citroën significantly outperformed with an increase of +6.02%. In comparison, Peugeot suffered a significant setback with a drop of -17.46%. These data illustrate a resurgence in historical territories, but as we will see, Citroën's performance in lower-volume markets could well change the game and amplify this success.

Eastern and northern Europe: new growth engines

While the brand is consolidating on its historical bases with this 6% increase—a performance nearly five times higher than the market average in the main countries—a detailed analysis of the November 2025 data reveals impressive overperformance in the rest of Europe. It is here that the deployment strategy of the new range seems to be bearing fruit most vigorously.

The so-called "secondary" markets in terms of volume are posting double or even triple-digit growth rates, driving the brand's global statistics upward. Nordic countries and Eastern Europe are massively embracing Citroën's new offers. The figures speak for themselves:

• In Norway, the brand jumped by +58.2%.

• Slovenia and Switzerland show respective increases of +75.5% and +74.5%.

• In Austria, growth is solid at +61.4%.

• In the Netherlands, a highly competitive market, Citroën progressed by +37%.

However, the most spectacular performances come from Denmark and Romania. The Danish market recorded an explosion in registrations with +313.6%, while Romania followed closely with +265.4%. The Czech Republic (+64.9%) and Bulgaria (+72.2%) confirm this continental enthusiasm.

These exceptional results are not anecdotal. They testify to a renewed alignment between the product offer—positioned on accessibility and comfort—and the demand of European consumers facing inflation. This dynamic in peripheral countries should logically allow Citroën to post, upon the final consolidation of November, a global increase well above that observed in the analysis of the main markets alone.

2025: a year of resilience and renewal

In conclusion, it is undeniable that the brand has experienced a particularly turbulent 2025. The first half of the year, marked by a sharp decline, raised fears of a dark year. However, the shift that began in July is being confirmed month after month. Citroën is ending the year on a stable or even slightly positive note, which is a real achievement considering the lag accumulated at the beginning of the fiscal year.

This turnaround is a tangible sign that the range, now totally revamped and available for order, is allowing the brand to regain its strength. The arrival of new models in dealerships has clearly restarted commercial momentum. Furthermore, the outlook for early 2026 is encouraging. Recent announcements regarding the Kragujevac factory are reassuring: increased production rates will allow for faster delivery of the new C3, thereby converting order books into registered sales figures. Citroën seems to have weathered the storm and is now sailing towards calmer waters.