Citroën in Turkey: an ambitious bet turning into a global success

The year 2025 will undoubtedly be remembered in the history of the "double chevron" brand as a year of a bold, yet winning gamble. By setting a target of 70,000 units sold on Turkish soil for 2025, Citroën's management displayed an ambition that many considered daring. However, as the year draws to a close, all indicators are positive. Despite a path filled with challenges, marked by logistical constraints and production delays, Citroën Turkey seems not only on track to meet its goals but has now established itself as a central pillar of the manufacturer's international strategy. This exceptional momentum shows no signs of slowing down, as the outlook for 2026 is equally ambitious, placing electrification and commercial vehicles at the heart of its growth.

Record sales and a meteoric rise to second place globally

The figures speak for themselves, reflecting the brand's strength in this strategic market. Between January and November 2025, Citroën Turkey sold 60,727 units, achieving a 5.2% market share. For Bora Duran, Director of Citroën Turkey, the results are clear: "2025 has been a truly historic year for Citroën Turkey." The final target of 70,000 sales, combined with a 5.3% market share, is now within reach. This success is even more remarkable considering that the beginning of the year was particularly complex. The brand had to manage significant delays during the launches of the new C3 and C3 Aircross during the first five months. Without these setbacks, sales volumes could have been even more impressive.

The impact of this performance extends far beyond national borders. While Citroën initially hoped to see Turkey enter the Top 5 of its global markets, the exceptional sales health in 2025 propelled the country to the position of the brand's second-largest global market. Turkey has thus overtaken Italy and ranks just behind France. This surge confirms the role of the Middle East-Africa region as a growth engine for Citroën, as 71% of the sales in this geographical area now come from the Turkish market. This success validates the strategy of proximity and adaptation to local needs initiated by the Stellantis group.

2026: moving toward a 100% electrified range and stronger commercial vehicles

Far from resting on its laurels, Citroën Turkey is already preparing for the future with a breakthrough strategy for 2026. The Turkish automotive market, although expected to be slightly lower than the record 1.35 million units in 2025, should remain solid at around 1.3 million vehicles in 2026. In this context, Bora Duran announced a major shift: "By 2026, we will only offer electric and hybrid vehicles in the passenger car sector." The ambition is clear: achieve an electrified energy mix of 40% for passenger cars. This is a significant challenge in a country where the electric segment, while growing rapidly, represented 17.6% of the market in 2025 with approximately 164,000 sales.

To support this transition, Citroën can rely on the success of the new C3 and C3 Aircross, whose electric versions are already generating strong interest. In 2025, Citroën already rose to fourth place in the Turkish electric vehicle market. For 2026, the overall sales target is set at 69,000 units, a figure that demonstrates a commitment to maintaining a very high level of performance. The light commercial vehicle (LCV) sector will also play a leading role. Thanks to the impact of local production, Citroën aims for a 9.5% market share in this segment. Local manufacturing not only allows for better responsiveness to demand but also strengthens price competitiveness, a key argument for Turkish professionals.

Turkey, the wew strategic stronghold for Citroën

In conclusion, Citroën has successfully transformed its 2025 ambitions into a concrete reality. Despite the logistical constraints of the first half-year, the brand managed to make Turkey its second-largest global market, proving its ability to attract a demanding international clientele. This performance is a true asset for the development of Citroën's global sales and stabilizes its position in the Middle East-Africa region. For 2026, the manufacturer remains bold by betting on an exclusively electrified passenger car range and capitalizing on its locally produced commercial vehicles. The future of Citroën is increasingly being written in Turkey.