At the same time, Citroёn managed to increase sales volumes by 20% compared to 2012, and its share of the Ukrainian car market grew to 2.05% (a year earlier this figure was 1.6%). In total, almost 4.5 thousand cars of this brand were sold in 2013.
Among all sold cars of the brand, the compact sedan Citroёn C-Elysée became the leader: more than 1.5 thousand buyers chose it, which is 36% of the total sales volume of the brand. Time-tested models also enjoy stable demand — C1, New C3 Picasso (restyled version), C4, Berlingo and DS4. The premium DS line also shows good results: the DS4 model acquired a diesel engine HDi 160 and a special version Electro Shot, which allowed it to maintain leadership in the C-Premium segment. DS5 sales remain confident in the difficult D-Premium class, which is also facilitated by the model's victory in the "Design" nomination of the "Car of the Year in Ukraine 2013" competition.
The introduction of special duties on petrol cars with engine displacement from 1.2 to 2.2 liters led to their rise in price. As a result, prices for such cars almost equaled diesel versions. This played into the hands of Citroёn, which unexpectedly became the leader of the diesel passenger car market in the middle class. The share of diesel modifications in the brand's sales structure for 2013 reached 63%, while on average across the market this figure is only 24%. It can be said that the availability of a wide selection of diesel versions became a real salvation for Citroёn.
Company representatives voice plans for 2014 with caution. The unstable situation in the country and unpredictability of legislation do not allow making too optimistic forecasts. Nevertheless, in 2014 they expect to increase their share to 2.5%, which corresponds to approximately 5.3 thousand cars. The calculations are based on the total market volume at the level of last year's indicator (215 thousand cars). As before, the main bestsellers should be C-Elysée and C4.
Hopes are also placed on new products: C4 Picasso (5 seats) and Grand C4 Picasso (7 seats), and from June it is planned to resume sales of the C4 Aircross crossover — now with a diesel micro-hybrid e-HDi. Among other new products — a special version "Faubourg Addict" for DS4 and DS5 models, as well as an updated Jumper (restyling).
After summing up the results, a pre-premiere showing of the new C4 Picasso (5 seats) and Grand C4 Picasso (7 seats) was held for journalists. In the near future, we plan to organize a full test drive and tell in more detail about these new products.
