CITROEN looks set to launch a new executive car in 2003 based on the concept C6 Lignage unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show. Public opinion and media reaction will determine whether the C6 goes from concept to production early in the millennium but the manufacturer's UK boss is optimistic.

Olivier Pittet, Citroen UK's managing director, said: 'The C3, already nicknamed the 'new 2CV' was premiered in Paris last year and at the British International Motor Show in Birmingham and was so highly acclaimed that a similar looking vehicle is likely to go into production in the next two to three years. If C6 is acclaimed in a similar way then it could form the basis of a new executive car which will become the flagship of the Citroen range.'

The four-seater, luxury concept car features on-board personal computers, television and rear view mirrors replaced by cameras. Other areas of development include active control of the suspension, voice control radio, satellite navigation, and infra-red night vision.