CITROEN is expecting demand for its car to follow in the footsteps of rising sales for its light commercial vehicle range as it launches a series of new models. Fleet sales of cars for the French firm have been flagging past year and currently down 33.5% year-on-year at 20,440.

In contrast, commercial vehicle sales hit an all-time record in September, with 2,333 vehicles sold, led by the Berlingo. So far this year, Citroen has sold 10,963 commercial vehicles. Part of the success is due to the variety of van engines and body styles available from the manufacturer, including the Berlingo Electrique, its emission-free model which is winning over fleets, particularly local authorities.

Sheffield City Council is buying five vans, which will join 15 diesel Berlingos and 19 Relay 1000 vans on its fleet. David Coop, Citroen UK national fleet sales manager, said the dip in sales followed a move away from short-term business as part of a strategical re-think on sales.

He said: 'This year, there has been a conscious decision to move away from short-term business and that is behind the drop in car sales. We are expecting sales to recover as new models reach the range, so we will mirror the success of the LCV side of the business.'