CITROËN: 100 YEARS OF AUDACITY AND INNOVATION
Since 1919, the Citroën brand has shown boldness and an unfailing human attachment. On the strength of its more than 100 years' old heritage and more than 300 models, some of which have forever marked the automotive industry. We invite you to dive into this epic history that all began with the visionary genius of André Citroën.
CITROËN HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Why Chevrons?André Citroën bought a patent in Poland in 1900 on a chevron-shaped gear used in milling. He created a business specialised in the production of these gears and it becomes a success. When he began manufacturing cars in 1919, he chose this double chevrons which has led to his success, as his logo.
CITROËN LOGO HISTORY
Creativity. Technology. Boldness. In 1919, André Citroën set out on an adventure with his eponymous brand…and launches the Citroën Type A.
Citroën presents the second model in its range: the B2. More bold creativity… For the first time, marking the opening of the seventh Paris Motor Show, an aircraft writes the brand name in the sky. It's Paris. It's Citroën! Paris Motor Show: world preview of the Citroën 5HP.
To highlight the qualities of his half-track vehicles launched in 1922, André Citroën decides to send them across the Sahara desert. During 1924, Citroën makes 50000 vehicles. Citroën presents the B10, the first car with an all-steel body. Citroën organises the Croisière Noire expedition, this crosses the African continent from north to south.
Between 1925 and 1934, Citroën runs a spectacular advert on the Eiffel Tower, displaying its name in illuminated letters 30m high, using 250,000 light bulbs and 600km of wiring. Charles Lindbergh used the sign to guide him as he came in to land after flying across the Atlantic.
Citroën presents the B14, a mass-market car with luxury features and the B15, the first French commercial vehicle with a closed cab. Citroën launches the C6 1, France's first high-speed truck in 1929. The C4F, commercial version of the C4 is launched.
Five years after the Croisière Noire expedition, Citroën organises the Croisière Jaune. Recognising no limits, the brand aims to cross Asia, from Beirut to Beijing.
The C4G and C6G gain a floating-power engine. Citroën launches the Rosalie series. The 8CV, 10CV and 15CV models are presented at the Paris Motor Show. In 1934: Innovation, Safety, Comfort, Efficiency. Citroën presents the Type 7A.
The launch of the Traction Avant doesn't resolve the serious financial difficulties facing the company, which can't meet its financial commitments. The government asks Michelin, the main creditor, to clear the company accounts and put the company back on a sound footing. André Citroën dies. Pierre Boulanger becomes CEO.
Citroën presents the 11 MI diesel at the Paris Motor Show - a world first for a passenger car. The 15-Six joins the Traction Avant family. Citroën launches the TUB (Transport Utilitaire série B) commercial vehicle in 1939. The Type 23 and Type 45 commercial vehicles can now run on gas.
During the 2nd World War, the Citroën factory on Quai de Javel is bombed. In 1945, the Javel factory is rebuilt. At the Paris Motor Show in October, Citroën presents three models: the 11 B, known as 11 Normale, the 11 BL or 11 Légère (light) and the 15-SixG. First presentation of the Type H in 1947.
The 2CV is at last unveiled to the public at the Paris Motor Show. More than five million 2CVs (all variants) were built by 27 July 1990. The Type HZ is presented in 1949, and then the 2CV Van in 1950. The Type 55 commercial vehicle replaces the Type 45 in 1953.
In 1955, Citroën presents the DS, a car straight out of science-fiction. Citroën launches its first four-wheel drive truck, the 46 CDU. The ID 19 joins the range in 1957 and an ID 19 wins the Monte-Carlo Rally. As a result, Citroën decides to take part in other road races.
The opening of the Rennes La Janais plant in Brittany in 1960. The Ami 6 is launched on the same day across Europe in 1961; then Citroën presents the estate version of the Ami 6 in 1964. Slotting in between the 2CV and Ami 6 , the Dyane joins the Citroën range, then the Dyane 6 in 1968. Citroën Mehari is launched in 1968 and the Ami 8 in 1969.
Citroën M35 is a limited series with only 267 ever made. Born of an agreement signed with Maserati in 1968, the Citroën SM is launched in 1970. Presented at the Paris Motor Show, the Citroën GS is 1971 ""Car of the Year"" and then the Citroën CX in 1974.
Citroën presents the CX estate in 1976 and then unveils the LN at the Paris Motor Show. Arrival of the CX Prestige in 1978, and then the Acadiane, a new compact LCV based on the Dyane. At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveils two new models in 1978 : the LNA and the Visa. In 1979, Citroën launches the Méhari 4x4.
The 2CV Charleston arrives in 1980 and then the Visa II in 1981. Citroën launches a new LCV, the C25. In 1982, Citroën unveils the BX and in 1984, two compact LCVs: the C15 E and C15 D. At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveils the AX in 1986 and then the AX Sport and the AX GT in 1987.
The Citroën XM is named ""Car of the Year"", picking up 14 international awards in 1990. The electric C15 and C25 are displayed. A ZX Rallye raid driven by Ari Vatanen wins the 13th Paris-Dakar. The Citroën ZX is unveiled to the public at the Geneva Motor Show. The Xantia is launched in 1993. Citroën Jumper (Relay) and Citroën Evasion (Synergie) are presented at the Geneva Motor Show in 1994.
Citroën presents Jumpy (Dispatch), its compact van in 1995. The AX Electric makes its debut and the new Citroën Saxo is unveiled in 1996. The Citroën Berlingo and the Berlingo Multispace make their market debut. The Citroën Xsara joins the range in 1997. The Paris Motor Show celebrates its centenary and Citroën unveils the Xsara Picasso.
The Citroën C3 Pluriel and the C5 are presented in 2000, then the C8 in 2002. Citroën takes the Word Rally Championship in 2003 and 2004 with Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena. At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën presents in 204: the C4 hatchback and coupé, the new C5 and C5 estate, and the C3 Stop&Start.
Citroën reinvents itself on 5 February, the birthdate of its founder. First motor show for the new Citroën C3 in Frankfurt in 2009 . Then Citroën presents the Citroën C-Zéro in 2010 in Bruxelles and the new C4 in Paris. Citroën expands its range with the C4 Aircross, and then, C4 Sedan and C-Elysée three-box saloons for international markets.
Le Rassemblement du Siècle’ (‘The Gathering of the Century’), a key event in Citroën's Centenary celebrations was held from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July at la Ferté-Vidame. It was a true popular success: more than 60,000 people during the 3 days, more than 10,000 collectors registered nearly 4,200 historic Citroën cars 1 third of collectors and visitors from abroad
In 2019, the Brand sold 1 million vehicles in over 90 countries. Citroën has a renewed range that is dynamic, strong and consistent, thanks to several major launches since 2016. Models that share a distinctive design and a high level of comfort. Product dynamics are also boosted by the iconic aspect of the Brand, which celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2019.
THE BRAND'S INTERACTIVE MUSEUM
The Citroën Conservatoire heritage centre is a real treasure trove of all things relating to our prestigious brand. It houses the world's largest collection of Citroën vehicles, with more than 400 on show - and most are in perfect condition.
CONSERVATOIRE: THE WORLD'S BIGGEST CITROËN COLLECTION