irishcar.com

14 February 2002: PSA Peugeot Citroën has exceeded its sales target of three million vehicles for 2001, with strong growth lifting worldwide sales to 3,134,000 units from 2,816,000 in 2000.

At a time when global demand contracted by 1.2%, the performance represented an 11.3% increase over the prior year and helped to raise total growth in unit sales to nearly 50% over the past four years. The increase was driven by strong demand for Peugeot and Citroën vehicles, as both marques again set sales records in 2001.

PSA Peugeot Citroën is the world’s sixth-largest automobile manufacturer, with more than 5.4% of the global market and the strongest growth of any broadline carmaker in 2001.

In Western Europe, PSA Peugeot Citroën consolidated its position as the second-ranked manufacturer of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, widening its share of the market to 15% from 13.7% in 2000. Registrations totaled 2,510,000 units, up 10.1% in a nearly stable market (up 0.3%).

The Group confirmed its European market leadership in the commercial segment, with registrations of light commercial vehicles increasing 4.1% to a total of 364,500, for a market share of 19.6%.

The Group also strengthened its position as Europe’s second-largest manufacturer of passenger cars, with registrations up 10% to 2,143,900 vehicles and a market share of 14.5%.

The Peugeot 206 enjoyed sustained demand throughout the year and was Western Europe’s best selling car in the second half. In all, sales grew nearly 16% to 828,000 units.

The Peugeot 307 has received a number of awards since it was launched in late April 2001 and was voted European Car of the Year 2002. More than 300,000 units were manufactured during the year.

The Xsara Picasso was a top seller for Citroën, with sales up 36% to 231,000 units.

In addition, the Citroën line was expanded with the introduction of the C5 in sedan and station wagon versions. The model met its target for the year, selling 130,000 units worldwide.

Demand also remained strong for the Citroën Berlingo and Peugeot Partner, whose sales increased 11.1% to nearly 300,000 units.

The availability of the high-pressure direct injection (HDI) diesel engine on nearly all models helped the Group respond to the sustained growth in European demand for diesel-powered cars. Today, vehicles with diesel powertrains account for 49% of Group sales. More than a million HDI-equipped cars were sold in 2001, an increase of close to 40%.

The Peugeot 607 and some Citroën C5 and Peugeot 406 and 307 models are now equipped with PSA Peugeot Citroën particle filters. Since the launch of the Peugeot 607 in May 2000, the filter has been installed on 133,000 vehicles. This is expected to double in 2002.