PSA Peugeot Citroen first-half unit sales up 16.9%

Global automobile markets rose by an aggregate 13% in the first half of 2010, led by China (up 27%) and Latin America (up 11%).

Demand in Europe was slightly up, but growth varied widely by country:

- France: up 6%.
- Germany: down 27%.
- Spain: up 38%.
- United Kingdom: up 19%.
- CEEC: down 13%.

In this environment, worldwide sales of PSA Peugeot Citroën assembled vehicles and CKD units increased by 16.9% to 1,856,000 during the period.

- Sales of assembled vehicles alone climbed 16.8% to 1,618,000 units.
- Sales of CKD units rose 18% to 237,000, lifted by Peugeot output.

During the first half, Peugeot was once again the world’s best selling French automobile brand.

Jean-Marc Gales, Executive Vice President, Brands noted:

"First-half 2010 was our best half-year ever in terms of unit sales. This performance confirms the strong marketing momentum of our Peugeot and Citroën brands, with a clear increase in our market share in Europe, an improvement in our position in China, and a further demonstration of our environmental leadership. This performance was underpinned by the success of our recently launched models – the Peugeot 3008, 5008 and RCZ and the Citroën DS3 and the Citroën C3 in Europe, the Peugeot 408 and Citroën C-QUATRE and C5 in China and the Peugeot Hoggar in Latin America."

Sharp increase in market share in Europe

In a passenger car and light commercial vehicle market that rose by 1.1% in the first half, registrations of PSA Peugeot Citroën vehicles increased by a significant 7.7% to 1,214,000 units. During the period, market share improved sharply to 14.6%, up 1 point compared with first-half 2009. The most notable gains were in Italy, up 1.2 points, and the United Kingdom, up 0.3 points.