With C3 and C3 Aircross, Citroën targets record ambitions in Turkey

As part of its internationalization strategy aimed at ensuring sustainable growth and reducing its dependence on the European market, Citroën holds strong ambitions for Turkey. After achieving historic sales performances in this key market in recent years, the French brand has no intention of slowing down. Far from resting on its laurels, it is more ambitious than ever, setting a clear goal for 2025: to break a new sales record and secure a position among Citroën's top three markets worldwide. This ambition is driven by exceptional momentum and the arrival of two strategic models, the new C3 and C3 Aircross.

Global performance fueled by Turkish dynamics

In the first four months of 2025, Citroën's global sales reached 226,000 units, a figure that demonstrates the brand's solid standing. A noteworthy and strategic fact is that 25% of these volumes now come from regions outside of greater Europe. As Bora Duran, Citroën's Brand Director in Turkey, highlights, "In the Middle East and Africa, where we are also present, 25,000 units were sold. More than 17,000 of those 25,000 units were sold by Citroën Turkey." This single figure illustrates the significant weight the country carries in the region's strategy. With 17,307 registrations in the first four months of the year, Turkey confirms its status as a pillar for the brand, ranking as the 9th brand in the total market with a 4.5% share. The performance is particularly remarkable in the light commercial vehicle segment, where Citroën holds the 4th position with a 9.9% market share.

This excellent momentum is not new. In 2024, Citroën Turkey had already achieved 61,228 sales, accounting for 9.3% of the brand's total global sales. "In fact, we can say this shows the importance of Citroën Turkey in the global market," states Bora Duran. The goal now is to climb the ranks. "Our objective is to be ranked 3rd. [...] We most likely have the intention and ambition to finish this year's ranking in 3rd or 4th place." This ambition is taken very seriously at the brand's headquarters, with Turkey now being a central focus for production planning.

The new C3 and C3 Aircross: spearheading the conquest

To turn this ambition into reality, Citroën is relying on the launch of two crucial vehicles: the new C3 and C3 Aircross. These models, based on Stellantis's new "Smart Car" platform, enable the brand to offer modern, attractive, and above all, affordable vehicles. With these new products, Citroën Turkey is targeting a record sales goal of 71,000 units for 2025, which would represent a historic market share of nearly 6%. Bora Duran details the plan: "The 2025 sales target for the C3 Aircross, offered in MHEV and 100% electric versions, is 9,500 units, and for the C3, launched as a 100% electric version, it is 5,500 units." Together, these two models are expected to account for 15,000 registrations, representing over 30% of the brand's passenger car sales.

This offensive is particularly relevant in the electric vehicle market. With the new ë-C3, marketed with the bold slogan "Turkey's cheapest electric car," Citroën is making a significant impact. This aggressive pricing strategy is perfectly synchronized with the local market's evolution. As Bora Duran analyzes, "the share of electric vehicles, which was 10% at the end of 2024, is now 14%. [...] The electric market in Turkey continues to grow." He notes that Turkish consumers are "early adopters," quick to embrace new technologies, especially when they are economically advantageous. The arrival of the affordable electric ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross is therefore a powerful asset and a major growth lever to help Citroën achieve its ambitious goals.

With the new generations of the C3 and C3 Aircross, Citroën is equipping itself with powerful tools for its conquest of the Turkish market. The combination of attractive design, modern powertrains, and, most importantly, a carefully studied price positioning for its electric versions, should enable the brand to shatter its sales records in 2025. This anticipated success in Turkey is of paramount strategic importance for Citroën. It embodies the success of its internationalization plan, which is essential for securing future growth and reducing dependence on a mature, stagnant, or even regressive European market that has struggled to return to pre-pandemic sales levels. Turkey is no longer just a promising market; it has become a true pillar of Citroën's global performance.