Citroen increases presence in Russian car market

As a symbol of its growing commitment to the Russian vehicle market, Citroen has unveiled its new C4 hatchback and coupé models at this week’s Moscow Motor Show.

Citroen regards the country as a priority market and, following the inauguration of its Russian subsidiary earlier this year, has ambitious growth objectives. The Company predicts a doubling of its sales in the second half of this year with a further doubling in 2009, helped by the arrival of a new mid-range saloon. The Company has recently introduced its C-Crosser SUV and new C5 (which launched in Russia at the same time as across Europe), whilst the new Berlingo Multispace makes its debut at the Moscow Motor Show.

Further underlining the importance of the rapidly growing Russian vehicle market - which increased by 57% in 2007 - PSA Peugeot Citroen and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation recently started building a shared plant at Kaluga dedicated to Citroen C4 and C-Crosser SUV vehicle types, which represent a majority share of the Russian market.

Currently the sixth largest global market, it has been predicted that Russia could even overtake Germany as Europe’s biggest car market in the next year.