Citroën : growth in India and breakthrough in South Africa in november 2025

Within the Stellantis galaxy, Citroën holds a strategic position of primary importance. Positioned by the group as a conquest brand, the "Double Chevron" manufacturer is tasked with capturing new emerging markets. This strategy aims to build the "third engine" of growth for the group, complementing the historic pillars of Europe and North America. It is with this vision that Citroën officially entered the Indian market in 2021, establishing not only a local manufacturing plant but also a range of three models tailored specifically for local needs.

The objective of this establishment extends far beyond India's borders: the factory serves as an export hub for all Right Hand Drive (RHD) markets in the region, including key territories like South Africa. For both these nations, November 2025 confirms the relevance of this strategy, posting particularly robust sales results that follow an already highly encouraging October.

India: spectacular acceleration driven by the C3

The Indian automotive market, currently one of the most dynamic in the world, continues its upward trajectory with overall growth of 18.7% in November 2025, reaching a total volume of 417,495 units. In this intensely competitive context, Citroën is not just following the trend: the brand is significantly outperforming the market. With 1,224 units registered, the French manufacturer recorded striking growth of 140.5% compared to the previous year.

This exceptional performance is driven essentially by the commercial success of the Citroën C3. The versatile hatchback saw its sales virtually explode with an increase of 330.5%, selling 861 units. This volume allows the C3 to climb to the 56th position in the Indian market, surpassing established competitors such as the Renault Kwid.

The rest of the range also contributes to this positive momentum. The Citroën C3 Aircross maintains stable growth of 3.5% with 208 units (71st position), while the Citroën Basalt, the latest addition to the range, is beginning to find its audience with 139 units sold (75th position), showing statistical progression of 195.7%. Only the electric version, the ë-C3, slowed down with 16 units (-73.8%), in a segment that remains volatile.

It is important to highlight that these results are not isolated events. They confirm a strong trend that began the previous month. Indeed, these strong performances in India follow October's performance, where brand sales reached a record high (read our article on the October record in India) with growth of nearly 99%. In November, the brand converted this momentum, performing even better and validating the relevance of its revamped lineup.

South Africa: Citroën becomes the engine for Stellantis

Across the Indian Ocean, South Africa also presents a very positive outlook. The local market is in robust health, with an increase of 12.5% in November 2025 (54,896 units), marking the 14th consecutive month of increases and the 9th month of double-digit growth. The Passenger Car (PC) segment, Citroën's core target, grew by 11% to reach 39,158 registrations.

Although Citroën entered this market only a few months ago with its new "C-Cubed" range, the brand is already establishing itself as the sales pillar for Stellantis in the country. The group ranks 16th in the market with overall growth of 69.3% (936 units). Detailed analysis of the figures reveals that it is indeed the Citroën brand driving this growth: with a combined total of 690 cars sold (C3 and C3 Aircross), Citroën accounts for nearly 74% of Stellantis' total sales in South Africa this month.

Specifically, the models are quickly finding their place against fierce competition:

• The Citroën C3 Aircross attracted 356 buyers, capturing a 0.91% market share in the Passenger Car (PC) segment and ranking 41st in overall sales.

• The Citroën C3, with 334 units, took a 0.85% PC market share (44th in sales).

The C3's performance is particularly notable as it manages to outsell direct and well-established rivals like the Renault Kiger and the Hyundai Venue, finishing just behind the Volkswagen Polo Sedan. These results are extremely encouraging for a brand in a conquest phase and confirm the momentum observed in October, where both models already featured in the market's Top 50.

A conquest strategy bearing fruit

The analysis of the November 2025 figures highlights a clear and positive turnaround in the brand's international markets. In India, Citroën is clearly benefiting from renewed appeal, driven by a revamped range and the introduction of "X" versions which seem to perfectly meet local customer expectations. Although volumes remain modest on the scale of the immense Indian market, the growth curve (+140.5%) is a strong signal of this recovery.

This industrial presence in India is the lever that today allows Citroën to succeed in its bet in South Africa. The brand is now playing the role of locomotive for the Stellantis group there, placing its C3 and C3 Aircross in the Top 50 sales for the second consecutive month. This virtuous cycle is expected to continue and amplify with the upcoming arrival of the Citroën Basalt on South African soil, completing an offer perfectly calibrated for these growth markets.