Return of the Citroën C1: towards a new accessible city car under €15,000?

The European automotive industry is holding its breath. While the European Commission was initially scheduled to unveil its highly anticipated support measures for the sector on December 10th, the announcement has been postponed to December 16th. Although this delay prolongs the suspense, it remains crucial for the future of manufacturers on the continent. During my recent meeting with Xavier Chardon, the CEO of Citroën, he confided that he expects a great deal from these upcoming directives. Indeed, they could be the decisive lever to economically validate the launch of a successor to the famous Citroën C1.

The urgency to revitalize the city car market in Europe

The observation is clear and illustrates a profound shift in the automotive landscape: accessible cars are becoming increasingly rare. According to data analyzed by industry experts, the supply of vehicles priced under €15,000 has literally collapsed in recent years. While European consumers could choose from 49 different models in 2019, the offer has shrunk drastically to leave almost only one model by 2025. This gradual disappearance of entry-level vehicles directly contributes to a stagnant automotive market, as many households can no longer find offers suited to their budget.

The European Commission seems to be fully aware of this issue. Persistent rumors suggest that the package of measures expected on December 16th will specifically aim to encourage the emergence—or return—of a competitive Segment A in Europe. The goal is twofold: to restore purchasing power to drivers and to allow manufacturers, including Stellantis, to produce these vehicles profitably in the face of international competition. For Citroën, whose DNA is historically linked to the democratization of the automobile, this subject is a priority. Xavier Chardon was clear about his intentions: the brand firmly intends to reinvest in this segment with a unique proposal.

Jean-Philippe Imparato, a key figure at Stellantis, recently highlighted that registrations in this segment dropped to 10.6 million in 2022, compared to over 15 million before the pandemic. The industrial objective is therefore ambitious: to recreate a range of entry-level mini-city cars, produced in Europe with sufficient local content to ensure sustainable margins while competing with new players, particularly from China.

A project inspired by "Kei Cars" to fill the gap

It was notably during the presentation of the recent ELO concept that Xavier Chardon clarified the brand's vision. Confirming that Citroën is actively working on a new model, he highlighted a tangible economic reality: "There is a shortage of cars under €15,000 on the market, which deters many customers from buying new vehicles and contributes to the aging of the vehicle fleet."

This analysis aligns with a broader observation on buyer demographics. The Citroën CEO acknowledges "that the vehicle fleet is aging, and so is the average age of buyers." He identifies a gaping hole in the current range: "The C3 is at 4 meters, and the C1 at 3.40 meters met needs" that are currently unmet. Between the Citroën Ami micro-mobility solution and the versatile C3, there is space for a vehicle of about 3.50 meters, capable of offering more versatility than the Ami while remaining more compact and economical than the C3.

Citroën's legitimacy in this niche is well established. From the 2CV (5.1 million units) to the C1 (1.2 million units sold between 2005 and 2022), including the AX or the Visa, the brand has always known how to offer popular cars. "There is a need, and the project for a small car to replace the old C1 is legitimate for the brand," insists Xavier Chardon.

December 16th, key date for the C1's future

The European announcements, now scheduled for December 16th, are shaping up to be the expected catalyst to transform these projects into industrial reality. If the conditions are met, this new Citroën C1 could quickly become an essential pillar of the range. With a size of around 3.50 meters, it would be ideally positioned as the missing link, offering a credible alternative for city dwellers and tight budgets seeking more features than a quadricycle but less bulk than a versatile supermini.

It is clear that Citroën does not intend to stop there and plans to expand its range to meet all of its customers' needs, staying true to its popular vocation. The future will tell us very soon, and I will be sure to report back to you as soon as Brussels' decisions are made public to analyze their concrete impact on this exciting project.