Citroën India Sales: Record 110% growth in december 2025

The year 2025 concludes on a very positive note for Citroën on the Indian subcontinent. After an initial phase marked by structural challenges and a necessary period of adaptation to local market specificities, the French brand appears to have found its momentum. This revival is rooted in a major strategic pivot initiated during the summer: the rollout of the "Shift to the New" plan. By introducing updated versions of the C3, C3 Aircross, and Basalt, now distinguished by the X suffix, Citroën has deeply revised its value proposition. This transformation goes beyond mere naming conventions, encompassing significant equipment upgrades and a higher perceived quality, aimed at precisely meeting the expectations of Indian consumers. Following a notable acceleration in November, the December results confirm this upward trend, establishing Citroën as the fastest-growing player in the market in terms of relative progression.lative.

A dynamic Indian market where Citroën records the highest growth

The Indian automotive market continues to demonstrate exceptional vitality as 2025 draws to a close. With a total volume of 404,231 units sold in December, the sector recorded a robust growth of 25.8% compared to the previous year. Within this context of high demand, Citroën managed to stand out spectacularly. The chevron brand posted the highest increase in the national market with a staggering growth of 110.2%, reaching 1,190 units sold during the month.

While the overall market share is still in a consolidation phase, this performance allows Citroën to climb to 13th place in the ranking of manufacturers in India. The brand is now closing in on Nissan, which leads Citroën by approximately 800 units. When comparing these figures to Renault, which recorded 3,800 sales in December, the gap might seem significant at first glance. However, a more detailed analysis reveals substantial catch-up potential. Renault benefits from a long-standing historical presence and a much larger distribution network with 484 sales points, compared to only 150 for Citroën. By calculating sales volume relative to the number of outlets, Citroën's commercial efficiency is beginning to seriously rival that of its well-established European competitors.

The C3 X drives sales while X-series models show future potential

A detailed analysis of performance by model highlights the dominance of the Citroën C3 X. With 918 units sold compared to 390 in December 2024, the brand's flagship model recorded a spectacular increase of 135.4%. On its own, the C3 X now represents 77.1% of the brand's total sales volume in India, confirming its status as the central pillar of the local strategy. This success is explained by a close alignment between the vehicle's features and the urban mobility needs of Indian customers, further bolstered by recent aesthetic and technical improvements.

While the C3 X is currently driving growth, other models in the "Shift to the New" lineup are also showing encouraging signs of progress, even if their volumes remain more limited. The C3 Aircross X found 167 customers, a 74% increase, while the Basalt X recorded 104 registrations, up by 32%. The challenge for the coming months will lie in the ability of these two models to gain market traction. They now benefit from a significant facelift, including a completely new dashboard and enhanced pricing competitiveness. Market observers agree that if sales volumes for the C3 Aircross X and Basalt X can reach the levels of the C3 X, Citroën's overall sales could quickly match those of Renault, fundamentally changing its position in the Indian automotive landscape.

A successful transition and optimistic outlook for 2026

In conclusion, Citroën appears to have successfully navigated the critical transition toward its new recovery strategy. Since September, the brand has recorded continuous growth in its volumes, proving that the adjustments made under the "Shift to the New" plan are yielding results. By ending the year with the highest growth rate in the Indian market, Citroën is sending a strong signal to competitors and investors alike.

Admittedly, absolute volumes remain modest for a country the size of India, and the reliance on the C3 X is substantial. However, the momentum is undeniably positive. The gradual expansion of the dealer network and the favorable reception of the new interiors for the Aircross X and Basalt X ranges are major growth levers for 2026. If the brand succeeds in boosting its higher-segment sales as it has done for its hatchback, Citroën's future in India could shift from a complex startup phase to a period of sustainable and profitable expansion.