Citroën confirms UK success: Berlingo Van is utility champion, electric sales accelerate

Citroën continues to show strong momentum in the British market at the start of 2025. The brand with the double chevron is particularly excelling in the light commercial vehicle (LCV) segment and the electric vehicle market, both key areas for its growth. These solid performances confirm the relevance of Citroën's offering in meeting the expectations of professionals and private buyers across the Channel.

The major news from the first quarter of 2025 is undoubtedly the outstanding performance of the Citroën Berlingo Van. According to the latest registration figures released by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), the Berlingo Van stands out as the best-selling small van in the UK during this period. With 2,899 units already registered, it leads its segment, confirming a dominance previously seen in 2023 and 2024. This consistent excellence highlights the ongoing appreciation from British professionals for this model, renowned for its versatility, comfort, and practicality. Beyond its specific segment, the Berlingo Van also secures a remarkable 7th position in the overall UK LCV market. The British LCV market saw Citroën distinguish itself particularly in March, a month where, despite a slight decline in sales of 15.12% to reach 3,614 units compared to March 2024, the brand managed to perform strongly. Citroën positioned itself as the third largest Stellantis brand in this crucial market and the second French brand, closely following Peugeot by only 20 units. This performance also places Citroën in 5th position overall in the LCV brand rankings. The Berlingo, having won multiple awards as the best utility vehicle in the UK from specialist press and professional organizations, embodies this success. It represents a genuine source of pride for the brand, demonstrating its ability to meet the demanding needs of users. However, the Berlingo is not the sole pillar of Citroën's growth in the UK; the brand can also rely on the momentum of its electric models.

Citroën's Electric Momentum in the UK

In parallel with the excellent results of its thermal and electric utility vehicles, Citroën is recording particularly encouraging performance in the passenger electric vehicle market. In the first quarter of 2025, the brand's electric car sales surged by 53% compared to the same period last year. This growth is significantly higher than that of the overall electric vehicle market in the UK, which grew by 43.2% over the same period. Citroën is therefore outpacing the market trend, a remarkable performance largely owed to its strategy of making electric mobility more accessible. The brand offers one of the most affordable electric ranges available in the UK market. This performance in electric vehicles is all the more crucial as this segment now represents a significant portion of the UK market, reaching 19.4% of registrations in the first quarter of 2025, an increase of 4 percentage points compared to 2024. Citroën is well-positioned to capitalize on this trend, offering the highest number of electric vehicles (five passenger cars and three LCVs) available for under £30,000.

Greg Taylor, Managing Director of Citroën UK, highlighted this dual success: "Citroën Berlingo Van continues to appeal to small and medium-sized businesses in the UK. With Berlingo Van also available as a 100% electric version, the ë-Berlingo Van, and our impressive rethought electric range, with eight models available for under £30,000, Citroën is making electric mobility accessible. The strong growth in electric car sales is testament to this. We look forward to the continued growth of Citroën throughout the year, as customers receive their new vehicles." This statement underscores the synergy between the brand's high-performing utility offering and its accessible electrification strategy.

The continued success of the Berlingo Van in the UK, leading its segment sales, combined with the acceleration of electric vehicle sales, positions Citroën favourably in this strategic market. The recent restyling of the Berlingo has certainly contributed to maintaining its appeal by modernizing its style, enhancing onboard comfort, and integrating new technologies. The electric version, the ë-Berlingo Van, with its improved range (up to 343 km WLTP) and fast charging capabilities, is particularly important for a UK market strongly oriented towards electromobility. By offering the most accessible range on the market, for both utility and passenger vehicles, Citroën is meeting a growing demand for affordable and environmentally friendly mobility solutions. These solid results at the start of 2025 provide an optimistic foundation for the coming months, confirming the relevance of Citroën's strategy in the United Kingdom.