The Legacy of Citroen | Century of Innovation and Design

Citroen is a French automobile manufacturer that has been around for over a century. Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the company has a rich history of innovation and cutting-edge design. Citroën has remained committed to its heritage of innovation, design, and engineering excellence.

Citroën has a long and storied history of innovation and design, and it remains a prominent player in the automobile industry today. From the early days of the Type A to the futuristic designs of the DS and CX, Citroën has always pushed the boundaries of what is possible in car design. With its focus on affordability, practicality, and sustainability, Citroën looks set to continue to make an impact in the industry for years to come.

Early Years

André Citroën was born in 1878 in Paris, France. He was educated in engineering and graduated from the École Polytechnique in 1900. After graduation, he worked for a number of companies, including Mors, a French car manufacturer. In 1908, he became the director of Mors and helped to turn the company around.

In 1912, Citroën left Mors and started his own company, Citroën Automobiles. The company produced its first car, the Type A, in 1919. The Type A was a simple design, but it was reliable and affordable, making it popular with the public.

Innovation and Expansion

Citroën was known for his innovative ideas, and he quickly began to introduce new features to his cars. In 1921, the company introduced the first all-steel-bodied car, the B10. This was a major breakthrough in car design, as it made the cars lighter and more durable.

In 1934, Citroën introduced the Traction Avant, which was the first front-wheel-drive car. This design made the car more stable and easier to handle, and it became a popular model.

During World War II, Citroën played a significant role in the French Resistance, using his factories to produce weapons and vehicles for the cause. After the war, the company resumed production, and in 1948, it introduced the 2CV, a small, affordable car that became a cultural icon in France.

In the 1950s, Citroën continued to innovate with the introduction of the DS, a sleek and futuristic car that featured hydropneumatic suspension and a semi-automatic transmission. The DS was a commercial success and helped to establish Citroën as a leading automobile manufacturer.

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Acquisition by PSA Group

Despite its success, Citroën struggled financially in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1976, the company was acquired by the PSA Group, which also owns Peugeot and other brands. Under PSA ownership, Citroën continued to produce innovative cars, such as the CX, which featured a unique aerodynamic design.

In recent years, Citroën has focused on producing more practical and affordable cars, such as the C3 and the C4 Cactus. The company has also introduced electric and hybrid models, such as the ë-C3, ë-C4, C5 Aircross and the Ami, which is a small, two-seat electric car designed for urban use.