Statements by Citroen Türkiye General Manager Bora Duran
Citroen Turkey General Manager Bora Duran shared important information about the brand's goals in the Turkish market. Stating that their total sales target for 2025 is 72 thousand vehicles, Duran stated that approximately 35% of this number, i.e. 25 thousand, will come from light commercial vehicles. "Therefore, we foresee an increase of approximately 2024 thousand units for our brand compared to 11. This will be the contribution of the newly added models to us," he said.
Duran, while evaluating Citroen’s 2024 results, emphasized that 2023 was an extremely dynamic period for the Turkish automotive sector. He underlined that 2024 will be a year that will witness many regulations and economic developments. “After the pandemic, stability was achieved in the supply chain, and the market was diversified with the sale of suitable vehicles with tax incentives. Campaigns in zero-kilometer vehicle prices limited the increase in second-hand vehicle prices,” he said.
Duran reminded that the rise of electric vehicles continues as of 2024, and the share of electric vehicles in passenger vehicles has increased to approximately 10,2%. “In 2023, 66 thousand electric vehicles were sold, this figure reached 100 thousand last year. This shows how much of an impact electric vehicles have on our lives,” he said. He also stated that the tax incentives introduced for PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) vehicles have increased the market share of plug-in vehicles powered by internal combustion engines. He added that the increase in additional customs duties applied to cars manufactured in China from 2025% to 40% in 50 will have a significant impact on the sector.
'WE CLOSED THE YEAR WITH A PRODUCT CLOSE TO OUR TARGET'
Duran said, “As in 2023 and previous years, we have shown a strong performance in the light commercial vehicle segment and sold approximately 18 thousand vehicles. We will continue to maintain this claim in 2024.” Referring to the restrictions they encountered during the year, Duran said, “For example, there was a body change on the HTA side at the end of the first quarter, which caused us to lose about two months. At the same time, we experienced strategic delays in the C3 and C3 AC models that we expected as we approached the last quarter.”
Duran stated that the penetration rate of the light commercial vehicle market in the Turkish automotive market is around 20-22%. “Citroen’s light commercial vehicle penetration is generally around 35%. We will continue to achieve significant numbers, especially in the Berlingo and Jumper segments. Light commercial vehicles will be a market that Citroen focuses on strategically,” he said.
Duran also touched on their performance in electric vehicles and stated that they will continue to sell electric C2024, C4 X and Ami vehicles that offer mobility solutions in 4. “In 2025, all of our vehicles except our light commercial vehicle range will be electric. We will also offer electric options in the C4, C4 X and the new C3 and C3 AC models,” he said.
'OUR SALES TARGET IS 72 THOUSAND'
Duran stated that the first four months of the year followed a course parallel to previous years in terms of the sector. “The change in the SCT exemption is being tried to be compensated by brands that do not manufacture in Türkiye. Nevertheless, we predict that the market rhythm will be maintained in April and a market in the 90-95 thousand range will occur,” he said.
Sharing Citroen’s goals for 2025, Duran said, “Our total sales target is 72 thousand. 35% of this number, approximately 25 thousand units, will come from light commercial vehicles. We foresee an increase of approximately 2024 thousand units for our brand compared to 11.” He added that they aim to increase their market share, which was 4,9% last year, to 2025% in 6.
C3 WILL BE ON SALE IN MAY
Duran said, “We started the year by launching two new models; the new C4 X and C4. We will launch the new C3 and C3 Aircross at the end of May. As Citroen Turkey, our best-selling model last year was the C4 X and it will continue to be our flagship this year.” He stated that they expect electric vehicle sales to be around 72-12% of the 13-unit target, and added that fleet sales within Citroen will be around 2025% in 20.
