In what is claimed as a world first, Peugeot and Citroen will join forces and operate dealerships under the one roof.

The first such dealership opened in Sydney in July, with the aim to have 30 of the brands’ 33 Australian dealerships selling under the one roof.

“For a Dealer there are cost pressures on real estate, cost pressures on floor space. This new approach makes it attractive to a Dealer and easier for customers, because both brands are under one roof,” said Citroen Australia spokesperson, Tyson Bowen.

The two marques have operated in Australia for half a century, but have struggled to gain a foothold in the world’s most competitive automotive market despite the efforts of more than a dozen different importers.

The brands are currently imported by Inchape, which also represents Subaru.

“Not for one minute have we under-estimated the challenge ahead, but both brands have a rich history in Australia, which we need to exploit,” said Inchcape Chief Executive, Nick Senior.

“We need a profitable Dealer network and we are a long way from that at the moment. Too many Dealers with too small a throughput. We are very mindful of what is needed in Australia to meet customer expectations.”to meet customer expectations.”