Record production in Trnava: the CitroënC3 marks the 5 millionth vehicle from a plant at full throttle

The Stellantis plant in Trnava, Slovakia, has just reached an impressive and symbolic milestone. Just a few days ago, on September 16th, the 5 millionth vehicle rolled off its assembly lines. And what a vehicle it is! The car in question is a brand-new Citroën ë-C3, the all-electric version of our versatile city car. More than just a production landmark, this event is a powerful symbol of the brand's transformation and the resounding success of this new model. For the plant, which is currently operating at full capacity to meet exceptional demand, it is a recognition of the hard work of its teams.

Trnava: a historic site at the heart of Citroën's electrification

To fully appreciate the significance of this moment, we must look back at the history of this industrial site. Inaugurated in June 2006, the Trnava plant quickly became a strategic pillar for the group, exporting its vehicles to major European markets such as France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Demonstrating its importance and adaptability, Trnava was the first plant in the former PSA Group to start producing batteries for electric cars, beginning back in 2019. Today, it assembles not only the petrol and electric versions of the new Citroën C3 but also the new Citroën C3 Aircross and Opel Frontera SUVs.

The 5 millionth car is a Citroën ë-C3 in its high-end MAX trim, featuring an elegant Elixir Red color combined with a black roof. The choice of this model is no coincidence, as Monika Poussard, CEO of Stellantis Slovakia, emphasizes: "This car is a symbol of our future. An electric, digital and sustainable future." It perfectly embodies the new era that Citroën has entered. As a nice touch, this very special car was not destined for a traditional customer. It was the grand prize in an internal raffle and was won by one of the site's employees—a wonderful way to reward the commitment of those who contribute to this success every day. "It is a huge honour to be part of this adventure, the result of years of hard work, effort, and sacrifice from everyone who has contributed to this exceptional figure," added Monika Poussard.

Full-throttle production to meet the immense success of the C3

This industrial success is no accident; it is directly linked to the popularity of the new C3. This model alone accounts for about half of the Trnava site's total production. Its aggressive pricing and first-class features have clearly won over a broad customer base across Europe. To cope with this enthusiasm, the plant has had to adapt and ramp up its operations significantly. Since March, the site has been running at full capacity, utilizing four production teams that work in shifts around the clock, including on weekends.

The numbers speak for themselves. The goal is to reach a production rate of 62 vehicles per hour by December. Monika Poussard describes a situation that reflects the vibrant demand: "The demand for our vehicles is enormous; we work on Saturdays, Sundays, we do overtime, just to meet the demand." With 4,200 employees on board, the plant has an annual production capacity of nearly 400,000 vehicles. This is a true industrial feat that ensures customers receive their cars as quickly as possible and supports the commercial launch of the C3 and its derivatives.

In just under twenty years, the Trnava plant, which will celebrate its twentieth anniversary next year, has assembled 5 million vehicles. This exceptional milestone is marked by a Citroën ë-C3 Max, a brilliant symbol of the brand's electrification strategy and the commercial success of a vehicle that is clearly a massive hit on the market. The current production volumes are the most tangible proof of this. With an annual output close to 400,000 units, all signs indicate that the 6 millionth vehicle produced in Trnava will be reached very soon. This is news that confirms Citroën's positive momentum and the relevance of its strategic choices for the future.