- Citroen has stopped vehicle production in Argentina after decades of local manufacturing.
- The company will continue serving Argentina through imported vehicles from Brazil and Europe.
Citroen has officially ended vehicle production operations in Argentina, marking a significant shift in its regional manufacturing strategy. The decision redirects the brand’s production focus toward facilities in Brazil and Uruguay. The final model assembled locally was the Berlingo Furgon, which is now being phased out in favor of the imported Berlingo Work Van L2 sourced from Spain. This move closes another chapter in the company’s long-standing industrial history in the Argentine automotive sector while maintaining its commercial presence in the country through imports.
Manufacturing activities at the El Palomar plant will continue under the management structure of Stellantis, although operations are now centered on Peugeot-branded vehicles. The facility will primarily produce the Peugeot 208 and Peugeot 2008 models, but production levels have reportedly been adjusted in response to softer market demand. The operational restructuring reflects broader changes in regional automotive manufacturing strategies as automakers optimize plant utilization and production efficiency across South America.
Citroen Manufacturing Timeline in Argentina
The history of Citroen production in Argentina dates back to 1959, when the company first established local manufacturing operations. Production initially continued until 1979 before being discontinued. The second industrial phase began in 1998 under PSA management and later continued following the formation of Stellantis. During this period, the company manufactured several notable models locally, including different variants of the C4 lineup and the Berlingo range. Over recent years, the brand maintained a position within Argentina’s top 10 automotive market rankings, supported significantly by imported products from Brazil.
Key Production Milestones
The following table highlights important milestones related to Citroen’s manufacturing operations in Argentina and the recent production transition.
| Year | Development |
|---|---|
| 1959 | Citroen began vehicle production in Argentina |
| 1979 | First production phase ended |
| 1998 | Second industrial cycle started under PSA |
| 2026 | Vehicle production ended and focus shifted to Brazil and Uruguay |
Despite the production shutdown, Citroen will continue operating in Argentina through imported vehicle programs. Future models sold in the country will primarily arrive from Brazil and European manufacturing facilities. The strategy allows the company to retain market participation while adapting its manufacturing footprint to current regional demand conditions and operational priorities. The transition also aligns with broader restructuring efforts taking place within global automotive production networks, where companies increasingly centralize manufacturing in strategically efficient locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Citroen stop vehicle production in Argentina?
Citroen ended vehicle production in Argentina as part of a regional manufacturing restructuring strategy focused on improving operational efficiency and adapting to current market demand conditions. The company has shifted its production emphasis toward facilities in Brazil and Uruguay while continuing to supply the Argentine market through imported vehicles. The move also allows Stellantis to optimize production allocation at the El Palomar plant, which will now focus mainly on Peugeot models including the 208 and 2008.
Will Citroen continue selling vehicles in Argentina?
Yes, Citroen will continue its commercial operations in Argentina despite ending local manufacturing activities. The company plans to supply the market through imported vehicles sourced mainly from Brazil and Europe. Models such as the Berlingo Work Van L2 will replace locally produced versions. This strategy enables Citroen to maintain its presence in Argentina’s automotive market while restructuring regional production operations and aligning manufacturing activities with broader business and market requirements.
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