Colin Sheridan, managing director at CITROËN Ireland, highlights two interesting arrivals in 2022: the C5 X and the very compact Ami ‘urban mobility solution’.
HOW IS YOUR SUPPLY LINE OF NEW VEHICLES?
As with many of our competitors, we experienced significant production restrictions in 2021. However, our sales volumes are above 2020 levels and we are starting 2022 with a very strong order bank. We expect our production challenges to ease through Q2, with normal capacity resuming from 2023.
WILL WITHDRAWAL OF THE PHEV GRANT AFFECT SALES?
Removal of these incentives may deter certain demographics from ‘going electric’, particularly around the commuter belts. PHEVs allow for electric mobility without any range anxiety. Despite the grant removal, we anticipate strong PHEV sales for our C5 Aircross and new flagship C5 X, based on early enquiries we have received.
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WHAT WAS CITROËN’s MOST POPULAR MODEL IN 2021?
The CITROËN C5 Aircross SUV was our best-selling passenger car in 2021. The C5 Aircross personifies the CITROËN brand in terms of comfort with standard features such as Progressive Hydraulic Cushion suspension and Advanced Comfort seats.
The Advanced Comfort seats really are exceptional. The PHEV version offers a fully electric driving range of 55km and can charge in as little as two hours. Fuel consumption is just 1.4l/100km, which equates to over 200mpg.
In terms of our LCV range, the Berlingo consistently remains one of Ireland's best-selling vans.
WHAT EXECUTIVE MODEL DO YOU RECOMMEND?
The fully electric ë-C4 crossover would be my executive recommendation. The C4 offers best in class height, ground clearance and seating position, giving it a true SUV feel. It also offers best in class rear legroom, generous boot and offers a fully electric driving range of 357km. Business users can avail of 0% BIK, making it a popular executive choice.
WHAT NEW MODELS ARE ON THE WAY FROM CITROËN IN 2022
Early in 2022 we will launch both our ë-Berlingo, offering 5 or 7 seats with a driving range of 280km, and our ë-Spacetourer, offering 7 or 9 seats, with a driving range of either 230km or 330km depending on the battery choice.
Q2 sees the arrival of the C5 X, our new flagship D-Segment vehicle. It will offer significant advantages over its competitors in terms of space and height.
We also plan to launch the Ami, which is our urban mobility solution. The Ami stands at just 2.4m long and 1.4m wide, offers a 75km fully electric range and has a top speed of just 45km.
HOW IS CITROËN POSITIONED IN THE ELECTRIC VEHICLE SEGMENT?
By the end of 2022, we will offer four fully electric and two plug-in hybrid passenger vehicles, while all our LCV range will have a fully electric option. By 2023, 80% of our car and van range will be electrified and by 2025 this figure will rise to 100%.
WHAT IS YOUR EXPECTATION FOR CAR BUYER SENTIMENT IN 2022?
Despite the positive sentiment, it will ultimately be the supply of available vehicles that will determine the outcome.
Pic: Conor McCabe
