36 million vehicles sold worldwide versus 3

PSA was best of the year 2006. With 3.36 million vehicles sold worldwide versus 3.39 million the previous year, the Group recorded a slight decline of its sales of 0.7 per cent, attributable mainly to the West European market, where its registrations declined by 1.8 (with the make-up of the light trucks) in a market all marks an increase of 1.1. More concern for its profitability and its margins by vehicle, its commercial progress has mainly made on small models, less remunerative. Financial results, as the new boss Christian Streiff will unveil his arrival next month, should strongly reflect this deterioration of the "product mix", in addition to the inflation of the price of raw materials.

While Peugeot saw its sales take off 20 per cent on the B segment (207, 206, 1007, etc) and decline on M1 and M2 (307, 407) slots, Citroën is a conclusion neighbour with the progress of 4 of its range compact (C1, C2, C3), for a total increase limited to 0.8. For 2007, in a context where the European market would be stable compared to last year, the Group hopes to start from the front, combining a return to the growth of its volumes on the old Continent, linked to the arrival of new models, and a continuation of its development outside of Europe, which already represents 34 of its total sales.

New models

A good look, the 2006 vintage was not so negative for the Group of Jean-Martin Folz. The decline of global shipments is partly related to a dark story of contraction of vehicle spare parts delivered to the Iran ( an astounding 62 units), to deflate the stocks. Without these aspects, the sales of finished vehicles are instead an increase of 1.3 to 3.12 million units. Although far from match the progress of the European leader Volkswagen ( 9.3 in the world in 2006), this balance is a little more flattering. Because, in China ( 34), Latin America ( 17) and Russia ( 68), PSA participates actively in the development of these new markets. By brand, Peugeot grows 1.6 for mounted vehicles and Citroën of 0.8. "We have had a very mixed year ends with a positive Outlook," said Frederic Saint-Geours, its Director-General of the trade mark of the lion. After a disappointing first half in Europe, the second part of the year was much better oriented, with the launch of the 207 who fulfils its objectives (308.000 units in just nine months, is 8,000 more than expected). Its predecessor 206 is completed his career, particularly outside Europe (Latin America, China). Most sensitive are the 407 and 607 commands. The next year, Peugeot will launch 6 new models, including the 207 Coupe-cabriolet, the new compact utility Expert, the new 4 4 4007 and 308, successor of the 307, in the fall.

Citroën, full recovery through its new minivans C4 family proposed in two lengths, will transform the testing of the 7 places with the shorter version to 5 places, great competitor of the Renault Scénic. She declines also under his colors the same Peugeot models, including the 4 4 C-Crosser and the Jumpy van.