Citroën in Italy: strong growth driven by electric vehicles in january 2026

A strong start for Citroën in the italian market in 2026

Historically, Italy has always been a key territory for Citroën. For decades, the peninsula proudly held the position of the brand's second-largest market worldwide, right after France. While the rise of Turkey has recently moved Italy to the third spot, this market remains an essential strategic pillar for Stellantis. Following a 2025 marked by a strong recovery and major product launches, Citroën is starting 2026 under the best possible conditions. The first indicators from January confirm an extremely positive trend, driven by an unprecedented electric offensive and renewed appeal to private customers.

Significant market share growth and a major breakthrough in EVs

The results for the first month of 2026 are clear: Citroën is showing remarkable strength on Italian soil. The brand achieved an overall market share of 4% in January, representing a significant growth of 0.6 points compared to the last quarter of 2025. This momentum highlights the relevance of the refreshed product range and a commercial policy tailored to local expectations.

However, the performance is most striking in the private customer segment. This sales channel is often considered the "true" barometer of a brand's popularity, as it reflects the direct purchasing decisions of households. Here, Citroën climbed to a 4.2% market share. This result places the brand in sixth place nationally across all categories, marking a full one-point increase compared to the end of the previous year. This renewed trust from "real people" is the foundation upon which Citroën is building its long-term future in Italy.

At the same time, the electrification strategy is paying off spectacularly. In the Battery Electric Vehicle (BEV) market, Citroën surged to a 10.2% market share for passenger cars. Compared to January 2025, this is a massive increase of 2.4 points. Thanks to these figures, Citroën now stands on the third step of the electric sales podium in Italy, proving that its positioning of "affordable electric mobility" resonates perfectly with the country's energy transition needs.

The C3 range leads the way, supported by a diverse lineup

Citroën's success at the beginning of this year is largely due to its undisputed star: the New Citroën ë-C3. This model, which dominated its segment throughout 2025, confirmed its leadership status in January 2026 by being the best-selling electric car in its category. More broadly, the C3 range (including both internal combustion and electric versions) is the absolute benchmark in its segment in Italy. Even more impressively, in the general rankings across all segments and engines, the C3 reached third place among the best-selling models in the country, a remarkable feat against fierce competition.

However, Citroën's strength in 2026 lies in the fact that its growth is no longer solely dependent on the city car. The New C3 Aircross SUV is making a substantial contribution. With a 0.6-point increase in market share compared to the fourth quarter of 2025, it is particularly appealing to families and private buyers. In the B2C channel, its growth even reached 0.9 points. The C3 Aircross also stands out with its 100% electric version, which has become the second best-selling model in its segment, confirming public interest in compact, modular, and zero-emission SUVs.

Finally, the top of the range is also performing well. The launch of the New C5 Aircross SUV continues successfully. In January, Citroën grew by nearly one point (+0.9) in this specific segment compared to the previous year. This is the best result recorded for this model since June 2023, signaling that the comfort and technology of the brand's flagship continue to attract a demanding clientele looking for versatility.

Conclusion: a winning strategy in a key italian market

Italy remains, more than ever, a vital market for Citroën, both in terms of volume and brand image. The January 2026 results are not just statistics; they are the validation of a clear strategic vision. By showing solid overall growth, and particularly in the most competitive segments like private sales and electric vehicles, Citroën demonstrates its ability to offer concrete and desirable mobility solutions.

The performance of the ë-C3, combined with the rising popularity of the C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross SUVs, proves that the brand has successfully diversified its growth drivers. For Passionnément Citroën, these figures are a sign of renewed optimism: the brand is no longer just following the market; it is becoming one of its main leaders.