Citroën’s 90 business centre specialists in its dealer network saw a 40% increase in business-to-business sales in 2011.

And with greater focus on new car and van sales to SMEs, the business centres increased car deliveries by 71.4% and LCV sales by 23.3%.

Martin Hamill, Citroën’s head of commercial vehicles and business sector, applauded the progress achieved by the business centres.

Hamill said: “The specially trained staff in Citroën’s business centres understand the demanding nature of SME’s transport requirements.

"They can advise SMEs on the most suitable vehicles and specifications for their businesses.

"They know about any relevant local or national regulations and restrictions, and give insights to the accounting benefits of the various funding and maintenance packages available."

Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders shows overall in 2011 Citroen UK's new car registrations declined 6.62% with market share slipping from 3.61% to 3.53%, and its sub-3.5-tonne light commercial vehicle registrations also dropped 4.42%, leaving its market share at 6.64%, down 1.5 percentage points on 2010.