Citroen will replace its C5 midsize model, CEO Linda Jackson told Automotive News Europe, but she would only confirm that the next-generation car would be sold in China.
“In China there is clearly a requirement for a C5 segment car, and that is clearly going to be within the product plan,” Jackson said. “The next question: Is there opportunity in other regions? I don't know the answer to that.”
Jackson said there is a “question mark” over whether Citroen would sell the replacement in Europe.
“Looking at the market you certainly see that segment reducing significantly and being taken over by SUVs,” Jackson said.
European sales of the C5, which is offered as a sedan and station wagon, fell 27 percent to 17,911 units last year, according to figures from JATO Dynamics. Despite its slow sales, the C5 still ranked ninth in Europe's volume midsize segment, where volume has decline by 37 percent since 2011. By comparison, SUV and crossover sales for all brands grew by 21 percent in Europe last year.
Jackson didn't say when China sales of the new C5 would start. The current model was launched in 2008.
Citroen parent PSA/Peugeot-Citroen makes the C5 in China alongside the Peugeot 508 midsize car at its joint venture plant with Dongfeng Motor in Wuhan.
