PSA Peugeot Citroen sales have increased by 4% in the first nine months of the financial year compared to the same time last year.

Consolidated sales for the first nine months totalled €41,744m (£29,085m) from the €40,123m (£27,953) reported for the period ended September 30, 2003.

Vehicle sales rose by 3.6% to €33,516m (£23,350m), while worldwide unit sales were up 1.6% to 2,477,200 vehicles.

Growth, PSA said, was led by the sustained success of recently introduced models. Sales of the Citroën C2 and C3 were up 29%, the Peugeot 307, gained 6.1%.

Sales of the Citroën Xsara Picasso fell 1.2%, as did light commercial vehicle volumes.

In the European car and light commercial vehicle market, PSA Peugeot Citroën registrations declined by 2.9% during the period, for a market share of 14.8%, versus 15.6% a year earlier.

In a statement the PSA Group says: “Third-quarter 2004 was shaped by a contraction in the European market, which was especially pronounced in France, Germany and Italy, and by an increase in competitive pressures on prices and margins. In this environment, the new models, which are being launched as scheduled, have demonstrated their potential for success.”