CITROEN is celebrating twice over, with record sales in June and a record first half year that saw the company's total vehicle sales rise to 47,279.

The successful start to the year follows two all-time record years for Citroen in 1997 and 1998 and comes even before the launch of the company's much awaited competitor in the burgeoning compact MPV market, the Xsara Picasso which will arrive in the UK early next year.

Most successful car of all for Citroen has been the Saxo. The Xsara, pictured above, and Xantia both performed well and are set for further success with this month's arrival of 90 HP HDi versions. These feature Citroen's class leading common rail diesel engine which returns economy figures in excess o 50mpg together with improved refinement, noise levels, performance and emissions.

Managing Director of Citroen UK Ltd, Olivier Pittet, said: "This is a fabulous result and it is most encouraging to see a growing number of UK buyers appreciating the excellent combination of value for money, technology and driver appeal that Citroen offers. With a number of exciting products planned, Citroen is ideally placed for a great start to the new millennium.

For Citroen in Wirral contact Cubbin & North, Teehey Lane, Bebington.

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