Citroen is a French car manufacturer based in Paris. The company was founded in 1919 and is today one of the most famous European manufacturers. It offers a wide range of cars and is known for pioneering innovative technologies such as models that can be driven with only one pedal, which makes Citroen different from other manufacturers
The Citroen company was founded by André-Gustave Citroën on February 25, 1919, when he bought the bankrupt company Clément-Bayard, which initially produced weapons and aircraft engines, and in 1924, after purchasing the Panhard et Levassor, switched to car production. In 1926, the first commercial vehicles were introduced – trucks, and in 1934 buses were added to the product line.
After World War II, Citroën was an early leader in multi-valve technology, which gave the company an advantage over its rivals, and introduced disc brakes on all its models. The brand became especially famous for its flagship model – 2CV (French: “deux chevaux” [2 horses], “dix cheveaux-vapeur [10 horsepower]”), which was introduced in 1948.
In the 1950s and 1960s, Citroën enjoyed great success with several model ranges covering both luxury and family cars. The Citroën SM uses a 4-cylinder gasoline engine and hydropneumatic suspension, and the world’s first pivoting headlamps were introduced in 1970.
In response to competition from more modern manufacturers, Citroën began to face serious problems in the 1980s. Newer models, such as the XM, did not sell enough and the company was forced to close factories and lay off workers.
In 1994, Citroën began working with General Motors (GM), and on May 13, 1999, GM acquired a majority stake in Citroën’s northern European subsidiary. In turn, GM has spun off its new subsidiary PSA (Peugeot-Citroen) to shareholders on a 60% / 40% split, with GM keeping the rest (though another French car maker Peugeot claims it was an unfair deal at 40%).
Citroën has been PSA Peugeot-Citroen’s largest brand ever since. However, both Peugeot and Citroën have presented their own models in recent years.
Citroen now offers a range of cars for the European market with models to suit all lifestyles. The Citroen C3 is a compact city car, the flagship DS5 combines style with technology, and the sporty C4 Cactus is equipped with innovative technologies for an exceptionally smooth ride. The Citroen range also includes models such as the Berlingo and Jumpy, which are capable of towing large trailers or carrying bulky items. Thanks to the comfortable seats, Citroen cars are popular with business travelers.
Citroen is a French car manufacturer with an impressive history. Its headquarters are in Paris, and the manufacturer itself was founded in 1919. Today, Citroen offers models for all tastes and preferences! Over the years, the company has introduced some significant innovations that have helped shape its success today. It is also worth mentioning how much they did for innovation during their activities, creating new technologies such as horse-drawn vehicles, buses and military tanks during World War II.
