SUVs boost sales for Citroën and Peugeot

French carmakers Citroën and Peugeot were late for the SUV party but they appear to have recovered very well. Meanwhile, Renault is losing market share on the French market.

The arrival of the 3008 (pictured on top) and 5008 SUVs boosted Peugeot sales on its home market to an unprecedented 20% market share in January 2018. Together with the 2008, the marque's SUVs make up roughly half its sales volume. Total new vehicle registrations for Peugeot reached 31,525 units.

Wait times for the 3008 in particular can be as long as 9 months for certain trim levels.

Renault

This result sees Peugeot take over Renault's first place on the French market. Renault's market share dropped to 17.39% (27,281 units). Renault sales in particular suffered, going down 0.7% (27,282 units). Dacia recorded 14.3% higher sales numbers (9,888 units).

In spite of this shakeup, the Renault Clio is still the most sold car on the French market (9,397 units).

Citroën C3 Aircross (photo: Citroën)

C3 Aircross

Citroën's French market share rose 2.7% to 17,291 new registrations in January 2018, slightly higher than the increase for the French market in general (+2.5%). Citroën holds 11% of the market, in large part thanks to the popularity of its new C3 Aircross model (3,331 units).

The new C3 Aircross SUV performs better (2% market share) than its predecessor, the C3 Picasso (1,5% market share).

Citroën reports the C3 Aircross boosts sales for other models as it brings people to the dealers and creates interest in the brand.

Overall market

Overall, the French carmakers continue to dominate the French market (59.25% market share, up 11.7%), in part thanks to PSAs takeover of Opel/Vauxhall.

The strongest foreign player on the French market in January 2018 was Daimler. Mercedes-Benz increased sales 39.4%, Smart rose 15.9%.

Photo: Peugeot 3008 at the Brussels Motor Show, January 2018