European car brand to exit Australia: Citroen Australia announces it is leaving Australia from November, but what does that mean for owners?

Citroen has finally read the writing on the wall.

The French car brand has struggled for sales for some time and the brand's local importer Inchcape has announced it will cease selling its cars from November 1, 2024.

Citroen has sold just 87 vehicles through the first seven months of this year, which was 35 per cent less than it sold in the same period in 2023.

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The French brand has previously assured Australians for years it was committed to the market, but the the sales decline finally bit too hard.

Citroen Australia General Manager David Owen, said the the rapidly evolving, dynamic, and competitive nature of the industry and local market, alongside changing consumer demands were behind the decision.

“The decision for Citroën 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," said Owen.

Citroen Australia said it will support all current owners and will continue to service the vehicles through the same 35 dealer network that also sells Peugeot vehicles and will honour warranties.

Citroen C5 X

Potential customers can still order a vehicle up to November 1 and it will be delivered and covered by the five year/unlimited km warranty, assured servicing program and prepaid service plans will still be available.

There were warning signs this year.

The brand was forced to heavily discount some models, with Citroen still holding some 2022-plated stock.

It also announced the updated C5X plug-in hybrid large SUV would be available by custom order direct from the factory only.

Citroen C5 Aircross

The move might also have been a way to make room for importer Inchcape's new brand, Foton.

Foton is a Chinese ute and van maker that has a solid pipeline of diesel-powered, hybrid propelled and electric light commercial vehicles to choose from.