The brand’s sales in Europe were down 13.4%, year on year, with sales in southern Europe – historically Citroen’s strongest markets – hit hardest.

As a result, sales outside of Europe now account for 36% of Citroen’s sales, representing a 3% rise year on year, although there were some mixed results.

In China, where Citroen has embarked on a market offensive, it saw a 2.2% decrease in passenger car invoices in 2012. The market accounted for half of Citroen’s sales outside of Europe and 18% of total sales in 2012.

In Russia, Citroen’s sales outperformed the market, rising by 18.9% in a market that grew 10.1% in 2012. This was helped by the launch of the C4 Aircross, DS4 and DS5.

In Latin America, sales were down 13.7%, with the brand saying it was a year of transition and transformation, including building work at the Porto Real manufacturing site and the rollout of the DS line in the region.

Looking ahead to 2013, Citroen has said that there will be a further increase in its international sales, boosted by the launch of its C4 L and C-Elysee models, which have been designed for high-growth international markets, in particular China and Russia. This year will also be characterised by a move upmarket for the whole brand, with the launches of the replacement for the C4 Picasso and the Grand C4 Picasso in H2 while the DS line gains the DS3 Cabrio and the opening of a DS flagship store in Shanghai.

The brand’s push into alternative fuel vehicles will also continue with the launch of the full electric Berlingo and the rollout of new PureTech engines for the C3, DS3 and C-Elysee.