Since 1919, the Citroën brand has demonstrated boldness and a commitment to humanity that has remained unwavering throughout its history.
With its nearly century-old heritage of more than 300 models, some of which have forever left their mark on the automotive industry, Citroën is deeply rooted in the hearts of every French person.
During a trip to Poland in 1900, André Citroën discovered the then-new process of metal gears. One of the systems used chevrons. An engineer and polytechnician, the future founder of Citroën bought the license and adapted it for his French factories. He then chose to make the double chevron the emblem of his first company.
100 ANS D'HISTOIRE
1919 ANDRÉ CITROËN
Audacity. Creativity. Technology. Three words that illustrate the vision of automotive industry pioneer André Citroën. The great Citroën adventure began in 1919 with the launch of the Citroën Type A.
1921-1922 ADVERTISING IN THE SKY OVER PARIS
In 1921, Citroën presented the second model in its range: the B2. Then came the Citroën 5HP at the Paris Motor Show. On the occasion of the show's opening, an airplane spelled out Citroën in the sky above the capital.
1922-1924 CRUISE IN THE SAHARA AND AFRICA
To demonstrate the reliability of his cars, André Citroën decided to launch his B2 10HP half-track in 1992 to conquer the Sahara Desert. Building on its success, two years later he organized the Croisière Noire, which crossed the entire African continent from north to south.
1926-1930 CITROËN B14, C6 1 AND C4
In 1926, Citroën introduced its B14, a mass-market car treated like a luxury vehicle. It was a resounding success. Three years later, the C6, the first fast French utility vehicle, was launched. And in 1930, the commercial C4 appeared, featuring removable seats and a two-part tailgate.
1931 YELLOW CRUISE IN ASIA
Five years after the Black Cruise, Citroën is crossing the Asian continent from Beirut to Beijing. Named the "Citroën Central Asia Expedition," the Yellow Cruise aims to demonstrate the technical capabilities of its vehicles to the world.
1932-1934 CITROËN ROSALIE AND TRACTION AVANT
Even before the 1932 Paris Motor Show opened its doors, the latest model from the Citroën factory, available in 8, 10, and 15 hp versions, enjoyed an exceptional aura. Nicknamed "Rosalie," it was already breaking all speed records at the Linas-Montlhéry autodrome. In 1934, another revolution occurred with the Traction Avant, named so because of its front-wheel drive.
1935 CITROËN IN TROUBLE
The launch of the Traction Avant unfortunately didn't prevent the company from running into financial difficulties. At the end of 1934, to prevent the brand from collapsing, Michelin bought Citroën. On July 3, 1935, André Citroën passed away. Pierre Boulanger then took over the double chevron brand.
1936-1939 FRONT-WHEEL DRIVE 15-SIX AND TUB
In 1938, the Traction Avant family expanded with the 15-Six. Comfortable and fast, it was nicknamed "The Queen of the Road." The following year, the TUB was aimed at professionals with a major new feature: its sliding side loading door.
1945-1947 RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CITROËN JAVEL FACTORY
During World War II, the Javel factory was shut down due to a devastating bombing raid. The factory was rebuilt in 1945. In 1946, at the October Motor Show, Citroën presented three new models: the Berline 11, the 11 légère, and the 15/6. The event also saw the first presentation of the Type H, which succeeded the TUB.
1948-1950 PRESENTATION OF THE 2 CV
The 2CV was finally presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show. This new approach to individual transport would be produced in over 5 million units by 1990. In 1950, the van version was released, boasting a payload of 250 kg, a top speed of 60 km/h, and fuel consumption of 5 L/100 km.
1955-1958 DS AND CITROËN ID 19
In 1955, Citroën presented the DS at the Paris Motor Show. Designed by Flaminio Bertoni, the car was a revolutionary aerodynamic and aesthetically pleasing car. In 1958, the ID 19 won the Monte Carlo Rally. Following this victory, Citroën decided to enter road racing.
1960-1969 CITROËN AMI 6, DYANE AND MÉHARI
In 1960, the Ami 6 was launched across Europe on the same day. In 1967, the Dyane adopted the mechanics of the 2CV but with the modularity of an estate car. And in 1968, the Méhari broke the mold again. This all-terrain, all-purpose car with its plastic body became the icon of its era.
1970-1974 CITROËN SM, GS AND CX
Luxurious and sporty, the SM, launched in 1970, improved upon DS's innovations. That same year, the GS distinguished itself with the most aerodynamic body on the market. In 1974, the CX showcased the brand's research. Its hydropneumatic suspension and futuristic dashboard would leave their mark on the automotive industry.
1976-1978 CITROËN LN, LNA AND VISA
1976 was the year of the first presentation of the CX estate, then the LN at the Paris Motor Show. The LN responded to the oil crisis by offering the smallest engine in the range. In 1978, the brand launched the LNA and the Visa. These were the first production cars equipped with Integral Electronic Ignition.
1980-1987 2 CV CHARLESTONE, CITROËN BX AND AX
Launched as a limited edition in 1980, the 2CV Charleston was so popular with its two-tone bodywork that it went into mass production. In 1982, Citroën made a splash with the BX, a modern, five-door, five-seater hatchback. Four years later, the AX came along as a surprise.
1989-1994 CITROËN XM, ZX AND JUMPER
Return to the top of the range with the XM, equipped with Hydractives intelligent suspension. A world first that earned it Car of the Year honors and 14 awards. In 1991, the ZX offered a sliding rear seat with an adjustable backrest. In 1994, Citroën launched the Jumper with Peugeot and Fiat.
1995-1998 CITROËN SAXO, BERLINGO AND XSARA PICASSO
Citroën presents Jumpy, its compact utility vehicle. Following this momentum, the Citroën Berlingo arrives the following year, closely followed by the Berlingo Multispace and the Saxo. In 1997, for the centenary of the Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveils the Xsara Picasso, a compact sedan and MPV.
2000-2004 CITROËN C5 AND C3
The 2000 Paris Motor Show welcomed the Citroën C5, a synthesis of elegance and dynamism. Two years later, the Citroën C3 went on sale in France. Its curves were reminiscent of the 2CV. Its reception was similar!
2005-2008 CITROËN C1, C6, C4 PICASSO AND C-CROSSER
Production of the C1 began in 2005. The brand introduced the C6, a technological showcase. The following year, the C4 Picasso, Citroën's first compact MPV, appeared. In 2007, the first SUV, named the C-Crosser, was launched. In 2008, it was the turn of the C3 Picasso, which stood out for its spaciousness.
2009 CREATIVE TECHNOLOGY
On the day of its founder's birth, Citroën unveiled its new brand signature: Creative Technology. The brand also unveiled a brand new logo featuring rounded, chrome chevrons in 3D. Citroën is written underneath in red letters.
2010-2012 C-ZERO AND DS LINE
It was in 2010 that Citroën launched its electric offensive with the new C-Zéro city car. The first in a long line! That same year, the DS line was inaugurated, with the DS3 as the first example. The DS4, a raised 4-door coupé, followed in 2011. And the DS5 was previewed in Shanghai.
2014-2015 C4 CACTUS AND E-MÉHARI
With the C4 Cactus, Citroën offered an alternative to compact sedans in 2014 by reconciling practicality and aesthetics. Late the following year, the E-Méhari, an optimistic, 100% electric 4-seater convertible, offered a modern nod to the 1968 Méhari.
2017-2019 CITROËN-STYLE SUVS
In 2017, Citroën entered the SUV world with the C3 Aircross. It was followed by the C5 Aircross, which is ultra-comfortable thanks to its Progressive Hydraulic Bump Stops® suspension and Advanced Comfort Seats. In 2019, the Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid SUV was introduced as the brand's first plug-in hybrid model.
100 YEARS OF CITROËN
To celebrate Citroën's 100th anniversary, "The Rally of the Century" took over the La Ferté-Vidame site. This legendary site of the brand notably saw the creation of the 2CV launched in 1948. More than 10,000 collectors, 4,200 cars, and over 60,000 people participated in this historic event.
2020 AMI
At the beginning of 2020, Citroën took the entire market by surprise with AMI, a nonconformist mobility device. Electric and ultra-compact, it's accessible to all, without a license, and offers affordable, à la carte options.
THE CITROËN ORIGINS VIRTUAL MUSEUM
Launched in 2016 and accessible in 65 countries, this virtual museum brings together a collection of 83 iconic Citroëns.
It offers a unique immersive experience, both visual and audio, allowing visitors to discover the brand's models in 3D, both indoors and outdoors.
From 1919 to the present day, Citroën has built an unparalleled automotive heritage. This legacy is preserved by the Aulnay-sous-Bois Conservatory, a physical museum housing one of the largest automobile collections in the world, with over 400 historic models.
Not to mention the industrial and commercial archives that retrace the history of this iconic brand.
