Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen sales rally in Jan

Shanghai, February 10 (Gasgoo.com) Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen Automobile Company (DPCA), a 50-50 joint venture between Chinese carmaker Dongfeng Motor and French auto giant Peugeot Citroen, saw its auto sales recover in January 2009 when it sold more than 19,000 vehicles, including 12,414 units of the Dongfeng Citroen brand and 6,750 units of Dongfeng Peugeot, sina.com said today.

The joint venture sold 180,800 vehicles last year, down 12.7% compared with 2007. In the second half of 2008, the Chinese market saw a decline particularly in the medium range vehicles segment which represents DPCA's core offer. 2008 was marked by the successful launching of the Citroen C-Elysee, which enabled the brand to double its sales in this market segment.

Last month when the Chinese government issued a slew of support policies to boost its auto market and more consumers came out to buy cars during the Spring Festival week, DPCA seized those golden opportunities and launched sales campaigns of the joint venture's Peugeot and Citroen brands, based on the leading technology and high quality of the two brands' product lineups.

In January, the Dongfeng Citroen series saw its retail sales reach 12,414 units, up 107% year on year; the Dongfeng Peugeot series sold 6,750 units, with the new Peugeot 207 model showing a sign of strong growth.

For better sales growth in the recovering market, Dongfeng Peugeot Citroen has decided to launch three new Citroen models this year: the hatchback C-Elysee, sedan C-Quatre and new C5.