BYD surpasses Citroën in terms of sales in Europe, jeopardizing the future of the French brand

Everyone thought that Citroën was an iconic figure of the French automobile industry, a bit like good cheese and a baguette. But here comes a Chinese bulldozer named BYD, arriving with its brand new electric cars and sales that are skyrocketing like firecrackers on July 14th. In a market where renewable energies are overtaking old smoky diesel cars, Citroën's management must be biting their nails realizing that the future of their brand might well fade away like a high beam around a sharp turn.

BYD, the new king of the electric market in Europe

Who would have thought that a Chinese car manufacturer, barely out of the shadows, could dethrone Citroën in its own European backyard? In 2024, BYD sold 50,265 vehicles on the Old Continent, eclipsing not only Citroën but also other big names like Dacia, Mini, and even Ford. But that’s not all, BYD’s sales recorded a remarkable increase of 133% in the first quarter of 2025. This leads us to wonder: what’s wrong with French brands? Perhaps they should consider replacing the croissant at breakfast with a good strong Chinese coffee to wake up.

Numbers that are mind-boggling

Let’s talk numbers. In the segment of fully electric vehicles, BYD sold 17,729 units alone in the first quarter of 2025. Meanwhile, Citroën, with its aging options, watches the waste bin fill up. Indeed, even former glories like MG must be turning in their graves, as BYD is racing with titans like Hyundai and Peugeot. Citroën’s regression is more than just a small hiccup; it’s a symphony of despair.

The challenge facing Citroën

It is clear that Citroën’s future is more uncertain than a child facing a plate of vegetables. The combination of the winds of change in the electric market and the lack of innovation within their ranks could very well sound the death knell for the French brand, if it does not take action. With the rise of BYD’s hybrid models and new launches that seem never-ending, Citroën needs to seriously rethink its strategy, unless the idea of selling old-fashioned cars is its true objective.

Lessons to be learned

Given the skyrocketing sales of electric vehicles, the European automotive industry is undergoing a major transformation, and the competition is fiercer than ever. The numbers show that when you don’t adapt, you are destined to disappear. Perhaps it’s time for historic brands like Citroën to gather around a coffee and redefine their future. Meanwhile, the BYD wave continues its magnificent rise, and traditional players must face the facts: the world of automobiles has changed.

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