Citroën C3 : Already 130,000 Orders in Europe

The new generation of the Citroën C3 represented much more than a simple model update for the French brand. It was a significant challenge: embodying a completely new design language while spearheading a strategic repositioning towards assertive accessibility. Despite a market launch somewhat disrupted by initial production adjustments, the versatile city car is now achieving encouraging performance across Europe. Its success has been so significant that it led parent company Stellantis to decide on complementary production. Consequently, the C3 will now also be assembled in Serbia, alongside its technical cousin, the new Fiat Grande Panda, supporting the historic Slovakian plant.

A resounding commercial success: 130,000 orders across Europe

Since order books opened in the last quarter of 2024, the new Citroën C3 has generated remarkable enthusiasm. With over 130,000 orders registered across Europe, it is establishing itself as a key player in the city car segment. This figure demonstrates the relevance of Citroën's new approach, focused on bold design, benchmark comfort, and, crucially, a carefully considered price positioning to make mobility, including electric, more accessible. Proof of this lies in the all-electric version, the ë-C3, accounting for approximately 30% of this total order volume. This success validates Citroën's strategy: offering a high-performing, well-equipped, and comfortable electric car at a competitive price is a direct response to market expectations and a prime route to accelerating the adoption of electromobility. Furthermore, this performance places Citroën in a favourable position to confidently approach the upcoming CAFE (Corporate Average Fuel Economy) standards set for 2025. These regulations are expected to be particularly stringent and pose a major challenge for many manufacturers. The success of the ë-C3 significantly contributes to lowering the average CO2 emissions of the brand's lineup.

Accessible electric: key to success and an asset for 2025

The C3's success isn't solely built on its style or comfort, but on its ability to democratize access to modern mobility. The "essential" design philosophy, without being basic, combined with the new "Smart Car" platform designed from the outset for electrification, allows for offering different powertrains suited to various needs. The electric ë-C3 version, with its WLTP range exceeding 320 km (approx. 200 miles) and aggressive pricing, is a game-changer in the market. The fact that it represents nearly a third of orders proves that an affordable, well-thought-out electric offer can win over customers on a massive scale. This strong preference for the electric model is a major asset for Citroën in meeting the emission reduction targets imposed by the European Union. While some competitors might struggle to meet the required thresholds without resorting to costly or restrictive strategies, Citroën has a powerful lever with the C3 to balance its range and face the regulatory future with greater confidence. Sales figures already confirm this trajectory: by the end of the first quarter of 2025, the C3 aims for a solid third place in the competitive French and Italian markets, and even ranks as the second best-selling electric car in France.

Enhanced production: Trnava supported by Kragujevac in Serbia

Initially, production of the new C3 began at Stellantis' modern plant in Trnava, Slovakia. This high-performing industrial site also assembles the new Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera, which share the same Smart Car platform. However, faced with the high volume of orders and to anticipate the ramp-up, Stellantis made a strategic decision: to add a second production line for the C3. The Kragujevac plant in Serbia was chosen for this purpose. This decision follows an agreement between Stellantis and the Serbian Ministry of Economy. The Serbian factory, which will also assemble the new Fiat Grande Panda, underwent a complete modernization between 2022 and 2024. Over 1,000 employees work there on production lines featuring a high level of automation and robotics, ensuring the group's quality and productivity standards. This additional production capacity is crucial to meet the sustained demand for the C3 and ensure reasonable delivery times for European customers. It also illustrates the potential for industrial synergies within the Stellantis group, optimizing the European production footprint.

The successful launch of the new C3 is undoubtedly excellent news for Citroën, especially since 2024 was not without its difficulties for the brand. Between challenges related to the reliability of certain PureTech engines, the vast recall campaign concerning Takata airbags, and some reported teething issues on other models, the news cycle has occasionally been turbulent. In this context, the commercial success and positive reception of the C3 act as a genuine breath of fresh air and optimism. The imminent start of Serbian production, which has just begun, should provide an additional boost to deliveries and consolidate this positive momentum. Furthermore, the upcoming launch of the Hybrid 48V powertrain will complete the offering. This version, promising reduced fuel consumption without the need for plug-in charging, will constitute the second stage of the C3's offensive, targeting an even broader customer base. Clearly, with this new generation C3, Citroën seems to have found the right formula to achieve lasting success in the highly competitive city car segment.