No Gold for Citroen after Olympics

0 0 September 12, 2024 Edit this post

You won't be able to buy a new Citroen in Australia after November 1.

With just 87 sales so far this year, 35 per cent down on 2023, distributor Inchcape has decided to pull the plug on the French brand.

Inchcape also distributes Peugeot and Subaru cars here. Could Peugeot be next?

The writing was on the wall after the company slashed prices earlier this year, with some 2022-plated vehicles reportedly still sitting around unsold.

Citroen currently offers four models here -- C3 (priced from $32,267), C4 (priced from $43,490), C5 Aircross (priced from $54,990) and the C5 X (priced from $57,670).

The latter is a plug-in hybrid but can only be ordered directly from the factory.

All Citroens come with a five-year unlimited kilometre warranty and have done for a few years.

Last year, Citroen sold a total of 228 cars in Australia ( down 23 per cent), in 2022 it was 296 (down 69 per cent) and in 2021, 175 (down 13 per cent).

COVID would have affected these figures, but you can see the trend.

Despite assurances that Citroen was here to stay, that commitment has been sorely tested and finally found wanting.

The decision to pull out follows consultation with the retailer network, careful consideration of current and future product available to the Australian market, and how this aligns with evolving consumer demands and local market requirements.

Citroen Australia boss David Owen said: “Whilst we acknowledge and celebrate Citroen’s rich history in the Australian market, we must look to the future and consider the rapidly evolving, dynamic, and competitive nature of the industry and local market, alongside changing consumer demands.

“The decision for Citroen Australia to cease new vehicle sales was not made lightly; it was made after careful consideration of the current and future product available for our country, in the context of the local market and the preferences and requirements of Australian new vehicle buyers.

“Our dedication to putting our customers at the centre of everything we do remains resolute. We know there will continue to be Citroen owners in Australia, with many Citroen vehicles still on the road, and our passionate Citroen Australia team and retailer network are committed to supporting the continued vehicle maintenance needs of our customers.”

Citroen is legally bound to support its cars for 10 years and will continue to provide parts and service through 35 authorised service centres across Australia.

At these centres, Mr Owen said customers would continue to have access to factory-trained technicians, genuine parts, completion of applicable service and recall campaigns, and diagnostic updates.

Orders placed for cars before November 1 will be honoured.

The brand’s comprehensive 5-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, assured service pricing and pre-paid service plans remain unaffected.

Founded by Andre Citroen in 1919, Citroen has enjoyed a somewhat checkered history in Australia since the cars were introduced in 1920.

Many people might not know that a Citroen, the 5CV to be exact, was the first vehicle to complete a lap of Australia in 1925.

It's proudly displayed in the National Australian Museum.

Globally, the French marque is part of the the PSA Peugeot-Citroen Group -- the second largest car manufacturer in Europe.

It's fair to say the company has always pushed the boundaries of design, with some quirky models and interesting technology over the years.