Geneva: Citroen C-Zero
GENEVA marks a world debut for Citroen – but most people have not noticed the new car is now out!
A spokesman admitted the unveiling of the production C-Zero has not seen the crowds flocking.
‘People are already familiar with the Mitsubishi i-MiEV it’s based on,’ a spokesman told Car Dealer Magazine. ‘We’re quite open that this is our take on it, as we’re introducing the network to the idea of electric cars gradually.’
Hence, the understatement.
As such, sales numbers will certainly not be huge. ‘It will go on sale in the back end of 2010, and we’ll probably be targeting a specific user group with it, rather than mainstream sales.’
Citroen is currently working on the sales model for the C-Zero. ‘We have time to work out the approach we’re going to take.’
This will probably include some sort of leasing deal – this will show that whole life costs of the car are comparable with a regular model, despite a steep upfront cost.
‘We are also planning a hire car system; should drivers need a larger car, we can deliver another model in our range to them for a few days, then pick it up when they’re done.
‘This will ensure the C-Zero works in the 90 percent of situations where electric drive is fine, but contingencies are also in place for the 10 percent of motoring where longer distances are necessary.
‘Another benefit here is the variety we offer in the range: the borrowed car can be a supermini, a family hatch, people carrier or even a van.’
What are your predictions of an electric car future for dealers?
By Richard Aucock
Tags: Citroen, ev, geneva 2010, green