History

Creativity. Technology. Boldness. In 1919, André Citroën set out on an adventure with his eponymous brand…

The Type A, Citroën's first vehicle, was launched with an original advert.

In just one year on the market, Citroën sells 10,000 vehicles.

Citroën presents the second model in its range: the B2 - a more powerful and advanced version of the Type A.

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!

André Citroën starts making toy cars that are miniature replicas of 'dad's car'. The first model is the open-tourer Torpedo B2 10HP. More than 30,000 cars are sold in the first ten years.

Citroën presents the B10, the first car with an all-steel body, replacing the combined wood and metal bodywork.

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 publishes its first repair dictionary with a catalogue of replacement parts for dealers.

The Citroën company now has 31,000 workers. Production is setting a European record, with 400 vehicles a day.

Citroën presents two new models: the C4 and the C6, at the Paris Motor Show.

Showcasing his pioneering spirit once again, André Citroën opens the doors of the Quai de Javel factory to the public during the Paris Motor Show.

The commercial version of the C4 makes its appearance. Modular and functional, it has removable rear seats and a two-part tailgate. The family version of the C4 loses 7cm, and gains a new carburettor, gearbox and clutch to become the C4F.

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.

Citroën launches the Rosalie series. The 8CV, 10CV and 15CV models are presented at the Paris Motor Show. The first two replace the C4, while the third, with its six-cylinder engine, is the natural successor to the C6.
From 1931, following a string of records set by these vehicles at the Linas-Montlhéry speed ring, all three models were quickly dubbed Rosalie.

Another front-wheel drive model is presented at the Paris Motor Show: the 11. Based on the body of the 7, it's 14cm wider and 20cm longer. It features a 46 bhp and three-speed gearbox for a top speed of 106kph.

The launch of the Traction Avant doesn't resolve the serious financial difficulties facing the company, which can't meet its financial commitments. Citroën is the leading vehicle manufacturer in France and Europe at this time, and world number two. The government asks Michelin, the main creditor, to clear the company accounts and put the company back on a sound footing. Citroën continues to function under Michelin's control.

Pierre Boulanger spearheads a project for a small-engined, affordable car: the future 2CV. Specifications say the car must be able to 'carry four people and 50kg of potatoes, reach a top speed of 60kph and consume 3 litres of fuel per 100km while ensuring a comfortable ride'.

The 15-Six joins the Traction Avant family. Spacious, comfortable, fast (135kph) and easy to drive, the 15-Six quickly earns the name 'queen of the road' for its remarkable road holding.

Citroën launches the TUB (Transport Utilitaire série B) commercial vehicle. A modern van, it features a forward-control layout and sliding side door for loading.

The Citroën factory on Quai de Javel is bombed. The undamaged 2CV prototypes are dismantled and hidden. Production gradually tails off due to the occupation.

Mid-war, yearly production falls from 100,000 vehicles to around 9,000.

Citroën takes a determined approach. The first truck leaves the Javel factory one year after the bombing.

France is rebuilding. Vans account for half of the vehicles built by Citroën.

First presentation of the Type H. Once again, CEO Pierre Boulanger drafts the specifications: a unibody, front-wheel drive adopting lots of features from the four-cylinder Traction Avant with strong rear suspension. The main aim is to carry over as many parts as possible from the existing brand model.

At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën presents the Type HZ, a compact van with a payload of 850kg and top speed of 88kph.

Building on the success of the 2CV, which has a six-year waiting list, Citroën presents the van version at the Paris Motor Show. It has a payload of 250kg, a 375cm3 engine, a top speed of 60kph and five litres per 100km.

The Citroën 15 CV becomes the official car of the French government.

To meet customer requirements, Citroën fits its Traction Avant vehicles with a rear boot extension that doubles loading space.

The 15-Six gains constant-height hydropneumatic suspension at the back - a technological breakthrough developed by Citroën's design office.

Citroën ends production of the15-Six after 23 years on the market.

The ID 19 joins the range, with a choice of two versions: Standard (63 bhp, 4,000 rpm and 130kph) and Luxury (66 bhp, 4,500 rpm and 135kph).

Citroën presents the 2CV 4x4 or 2CV Sahara. A four wheel drive with two 425cm3 engines, it has amazing off-road capabilities. Even when fully laden, it can climb a slope with a gradient of over 40% in the sand.

Another first. Citroën is invited to display a DS body at the Milan Triennale, an international exhibition of art and design chaired by the architect Gio Ponti.

At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën presents the DS 19 Cabriolet, with bodywork by Henri Chapron. A vast range of customisation options are on offer: 76 colour combinations, 13 bodywork colours and 11 shades for the leather trim and upholstery.

The Ami 6 is launched on the same day across Europe. Rounding out the range, the Ami 6 features strongly marked body lines and a reverse-raked rear window.

General de Gaulle survives an attempted assassination at Petit Clamart outside Paris. The tyres of the president's Citroën DS are riddled with bullets, but the car stays on the road without any other damage.

Citroën presents the DS 19 Pallas, an even more sophisticated car with particular emphasis on interior trim and finish.

The 2CV gains new front-hinged doors.

The arrival of the new DS 21. More powerful, fitted with a crankshaft with five bearings, the DS 21 also features an automatic headlight levelling system to offset dynamic variations in attitude.

The Dyane joins the Citroën range, slotting in between the 2CV and Ami 6. It combines the proven mechanics of the 2CV (425cmᶟ flat-twin engine, four-speed gearbox, 100kph and 4.9 litres per 100km) with entirely new body lines. With its tailgate and folding rear seat, it's a saloon with all the benefits of an estate.

Citroën expands its family of twin-cylinder vehicles with the Méhari, an original, versatile, all-terrain vehicle. The plastic bodywork prevents corrosion and protects against minor bumps and scratches.

The Ami 8 replaces the Ami 6, with redesigned, simpler and more elegant bodywork.

The one millionth DS rolls off the production line: a DS 21 with gold bodywork.

Born of an agreement signed with Maserati in 1968, the Citroën SM is a sporty, luxurious touring car showcasing experience from the DS in front-wheel drive systems, hydraulics and suspension. It has a Maserati V6 engine, a five-speed gearbox, and the Diravi system of hydraulic power steering with power-assisted return. Its dynamic qualities attract a customer base of connoisseurs in France, Europe and the US.

A limited series with only 267 ever made. The bodywork is based on the Ami 8. It's a two-door, four-seater coupé with hydropneumatic suspension, a single-rotor 995cmᶟ rotary engine and a four-speed gearbox. The M35 prototype is a laboratory on wheels. Citroën lets customers try it out, if they have mileage of over 30,000km a year

For the Citroën Paris-Persepolis-Paris Rally, 1,300 young people from all walks of life set out on an extraordinary adventure at the wheel of a 2CV, Dyane or Méhari, a voyage of 13,800km from the outskirts of Paris to southern Iran.

The DS 23 replaces the DS 21. Featuring a carburettor and electronic fuel injection, it has the new 2,347cmᶟ engine, (188kph and 12 litres per 100km).

Launch of the C35, an LCV with a payload of 1,885kg built with Fiat.

Michelin and the Peugeot group decide to merge Automobiles Citroën and Automobiles Peugeot to create a group of international reach.

The last DS leaves the line at the Javel plant, vehicle number 1,330,755. It's a DS 23 Pallas with Delta Blue bodywork and electronic injection.

Citroën presents the CX estate.

The CX 2400 Gti: electronic injection, 2,347cm3 engine developing 128 bhp, 189kph and 8.1 litres per 100km.

Arrival of the CX Prestige, featuring a longer wheelbase (+25cm).

At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveils two new models: the LNA, replacing the LN, and the Visa. These new vehicles feature full electronic ignition, a world first on production cars.

The 2CV gains two-tone bodywork and round headlamps with the 2CV Charleston. Originally planned as a special series of 8,000 cars, it was such a success that it became a production model in 1981.

The Visa II, featuring redesigned bodywork and a more fuel-efficient engine, replaces the Visa.

Citroën unveils the BX, a production vehicle intended to win new customers. A five-door, five-seater, two-box saloon, it slots into the range between the GSA and CX. It comes with a choice of three powertrains from launch: 1,360cm3  developing 62 bhp with a four-speed gearbox, 1,360cm3 developing 72 bhp with a five-speed gearbox, and 1,580cm3 developing 90 bhp with a five-speed gearbox.

Launch of the Visa convertible: the hood with its flexible rear window can be folded back in full or just at the front.

The CX 25 GTi Turbo: a 2,500cm3 turbocharged engine with electronic injection, 168 bhp and 220kph. One of the most brilliant cars in its category for its outstanding performance.

In cooperation with Total and Michelin, Citroën sets up the Women's Trophy: 6,000 candidates, 11 drivers, six events. Two of the competitors become works drivers.

Citroën launches the Visa GTi. With its 1,580cm3 injection engine injection and five-speed gearbox, it's a true GTi with a top speed of 188kph.

Citroën presents the new 16-valve BX 19 GTi 16 featuring France's first multivalve engine (four cylinders, 1,905cm3, 164 bhp and a top speed of 218kph).

The Citroën AX arrives on the small sports car market, with the AX Sport in March followed by the AX GT in October. It takes part in the Morocco Rally and the Monte-Carlo Rally.

At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveils Activa, a research prototype that would be used to develop systems like four-wheel steering and electronic suspension.

Two new BX models arrive in dealerships: the BX 4x4 and BX 4x4 Evasion. The four wheel drive transmission features three differentials: front, central (locking), and back, with limited slip.

The Xm is named "Car of the Year", picking up 14 international awards.

The Paris Motor Show gives Citroën another opportunity to show its technological leadership. The electric C15 and C25 are displayed alongside Activa 2, a working prototype that's the real star of the show. Activa 2 features a three-litre V6 24-valve engine developing 200 bhp, an automatic four-speed gear box, an active roll control system and a five-function display.

Citela, an electric prototype by Citroën, is one of the main attractions in the French pavilion at the Universal Exposition of Seville.

The Xantia makes its market debut. A five-door saloon measuring 4.44m, it's the result of a partnership between the Citroën and Bertone styling centres. Citroën has drawn upon the full spectrum of its technological culture for the Xantia, not only to set new standards in driving pleasure, but also to give the new vehicle a powerful passive safety system (Hydractive 2).

It's the world preview of the Citroën Jumper (Relay) at the Geneva commercial vehicle show. Born of an industrial cooperation agreement with Peugeot and Fiat, the Jumper has a range of attractive features: good looks, new petrol and diesel engines and new gearboxes.

Presented at the Paris Motor Show, the Xantia Activa is the first car to take corners on the level, thanks to its revolutionary SC.CAR roll limitation system. It also comes with extra features including a driver airbag, back power windows, and adjustable backrests at the front.

At the Transport Show, Citroën presents Jumpy (Dispatch), a compact, functional and versatile van with a payload of 815kg and useful volume of 4m3.

The new Citroën Saxo is presented to the press.

In eight months, the Aulnay final assembly plant produces 100,000 Saxo vehicles.

The first appearance of the Berlingo Multispace, which is both functional and comfortable. It's scheduled for launch in early 1997.

The Citroën Xsara (4.17m) joins the range, slotting in between the Saxo (3.72m) and Xantia (4.52m). Designed to be the first in a new generation of executive mid-range vehicles, the Xsara shows brand leadership in comfort, safety and road handling.

The 500,000th Saxo rolls off the assembly line, with sculptor César as its sponsor.

The Paris Motor Show celebrates its centenary. Citroën unveils the Xsara Picasso. A one-box vehicle at the front and a hatchback at the back, the new compact saloon is praised for its original and innovative styling.

Presented at the Geneva Motor Show, the concept car C6 Lignage illustrates 'the art of travel according to Citroën'. It showcases architectural and design options for a future executive brand model. Also on the Citroën stand, visitors can admire the Pluriel, an original model that doesn't fit into any of the traditional vehicle categories.

Citroën opens its Conservatoire heritage centre at Aulnay. The 6,700m² building is built to safeguard vehicles made by the brand from its founding to the present day. 28 November 2001 marks the opening of the Citroën’s Conservatoire.

Citroën unveils the C5 at the Paris Motor Show. It allies prestige with power, performance and strength. The brand also presents Osmose, a concept car designed to reconcile pedestrians and motorists. Built for the city, Osmose is a vehicle of the future, promoting communication and openness. It was later displayed at the Georges Pompidou Centre in Paris.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën unveils the C3. Visitors can also admire C-Crosser, a concept car with three seats at the front, a mobile driving position (left, centre or right) electronic controls based on "x-by-wire" technology, and no steering column. This versatile car is built for a sense of adventure, freedom and well-being.

Young drivers Loeb and Elena clinch their first WRC victory on the asphalt in Germany.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën presents C2 Citroën Sport, a concept developed jointly by the concept car department and Citroën Sport.

With 13 podium places, Citroën takes the 2003 Word Rally Championship. Sébastien Loeb is second in the Drivers' Championship.

At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën presents: the C4 hatchback and coupé, the new C5 and C5 estate, and the C3 Stop & Start, an innovation designed to reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions.

Production starts on the new Citroën C1, a compact car with attractive, fun styling, available in three-door and five-door versions.

The Citroën DS celebrates its 50th anniversary. 1,600 DS vehicles parade through the streets of Paris to mark the event.

At the Paris Motor Show, Citroën displays a new concept-car inspired by passion and reason. With C-Métisse, the brand sets out to explore new options in driving pleasure.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën presents the C-Crosser, scheduled for launch in July of the same year. The company's first SUV, the C-Crosser is able to carry 5+2 people over any type of terrain with its generous interior space and all-wheel drive.

At the Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën presents the concept car C5 Airscape, a large cabriolet heralding the forthcoming arrival of the new Citroën C5.

The Picasso family gains a smaller sibling, the Citroën C3 Picasso. This innovative concept stands apart for its bold styling, innovative architecture and ingenious design.

Innovation, ecology and creativity are the keywords on the Citroën at the 2008 Paris Motor Show. The brand displays a line-up of 34 vehicles minimum, including 11 new models and eight concept cars. Key vehicles include the GTbyCitroën, 2CV Hermes, C-Cactus and Hypnos concepts, as well as the Citroën C3 Pluriel Charleston, a nod to history.

At the Geneva Motor Show, Citroën tests the "secret box", a showcase for its new concept car: DS Inside.

Révolte. Citroën chooses an evocative name for its latest concept car, to demonstrate its bold, progressive credentials. This compact, urban, ultra-chic car combines luxury with a touch of fun.

At the 88th Brussels Motor Show, Citroën presents the Citroën C-Zéro. With this new model, the brand expands its line in the compact vehicle segment, with an all-electric car designed for city driving.

Transgressive and exciting with a touch of glamour… Citroën presents Survolt at the Geneva Motor Show. The aim is to explore distinctive, offbeat electric vehicles, continuing an approach that began with the concept car Révolte a few months earlier.

The engineers of Citroën Racing add a new level of performance to the Sport Chic version of the DS3. The engine, steering and running gear are revised to create the DS3 Racing.

At the Paris Motor Show, with the Citroën Lacoste concept car, Citroën sets out its vision of the vehicle of the future. Its new vision turns away from the ethos of 'always more' to take a more relaxed approach to life.

With Multicity, Citroën becomes the first vehicle manufacturer to launch a service encompassing all means of transport, making it easier to get around: www.multicity.citroen.fr

The 19th world meeting of Citroën 2CV friends, marking the anniversary date of the end of 2CV production. More than 20,000 enthusiasts attend, alongside 7,000 of these legendary cars and their spin-offs (Ami 6 and 8, Dyane, Méhari etc).

Citroën expands its range with the C4 Aircross. In a fast-expanding segment, this new model reviews conventional SUV design, combining design with technological innovation.

Citroën steps up the pace of its global development with two vehicles launched in quick succession: the Citroën C4 Sedan and C-Elysée. These two three-box saloons are aimed primarily at fast-growing international markets like the Mediterranean Basin, China and Russia.

Ten years after their first WRC win, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena shatter the standing records in motorsports when they clinch their ninth WRC title in Alsace, France. At the same time, Citroën claims its eighth world title in the Manufacturers' championship.