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History of the Citroën brand since 1919
Face avant de la Citroën 5HP

CITROËN: 100 YEARS OF AUDACITY AND INNOVATION

Zoom sur C4 Fourgon vert, vue 3/4 avant

THE CITROËN HERITAGE

Since 1919, the Citroën brand has shown boldness and an attachment to people that has never been denied throughout its history. 

With its almost century-old heritage of more than 300 models, some of which have forever marked the automotive industry, Citroën is inscribed in the hearts of every Frenchman. 

It is in this historical epic, initiated by the visionary genius of André Citroën, that we invite you here to immerse yourself.

Animation de l'historique des logos Citroën

THE ORIGIN OF THE LOGO

During a trip to Poland in 1900, André Citroën discovered the process, new at the time, of metal gears. One of the systems uses rafters. 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 YEARS OF HISTORY

Photographie en noir et blanc d'André Citroën
1919 ANDRÉ CITROËN
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.   
Citroën écrit dans le ciel de Paris en 1922
1921-1922 ADVERTISING IN THE SKY OF PARIS
In 1921, Citroën presented the second model in its range: the B2. Then comes the turn of the Citroën 5HP at the Paris Motor Show. On the occasion of the opening of this show, a plane writes Citroën in full in the sky of the capital.   
Véhicules Citroën pendant la Croisière Noire en Afrique
1922-1924 CRUISE IN THE SAHARA AND IN AFRICA 
To demonstrate the reliability of his cars, André Citroën decided to launch his B2 10HP half-track in 1992 to attack the Sahara desert. On the strength of his success, he organized the Black Cruise two years later, which crossed the entire African continent from north to south.   
Citroen au salon de Paris avec la B14
1926-1930 CITROËN B14, C6 1 AND C4
In 1926, Citroën presented its B14, a mass market car treated as a luxury car. Success is on the way. Three years later, the C6 1, the first fast French utility vehicle, was launched. And in 1930, the commercial C4 made its appearance, equipped with removable seats and a tailgate in 2 parts.   
Véhicules Citroën et chevaux pendant la Croisière Jaune en Asie
1931 YELLOW CRUISE IN ASIA
Five years after the Black Cruise, Citroën is crossing the Asian continent from Beirut to Beijing. Called the “Citroën Center-Asia Expedition”, the Yellow Cruise aims to prove the technical qualities of the vehicles to the whole world.   
Citroen en 1934 avec la Type7A au salon de Paris
1932-1934 CITROËN ROSALIE AND TRACTION FRONT
Even before the Paris Motor Show of 1932 opened its doors, the latest creation from the Citroën factories, offered in 8, 10 and 15CV, enjoyed an exceptional aura. Nicknamed "Rosalie", it already broke all speed records at the Linas-Montlhéry racetrack. In 1934, a new revolution came with the Traction Avant, so named because of its front-wheel drive.   
Photographie noir et blanc de Michelin et Citroën
1935 CITROËN IN DIFFICULTY
The release of the Traction Avant unfortunately did not prevent the company from being in financial difficulties. At the end of 1934, to prevent the brand from collapsing, Michelin bought Citroën. On July 3, 1935, André Citroën died. Pierre Boulanger then took over the brand with the double chevron.   
Traction Avant 15-Six Citroën dans un jardin
1936-1939 FRONT WHEEL DRIVE 15-SIX AND TUB
In 1938, the Traction Avant family grew with the 15-Six. Comfortable and fast, it is nicknamed "The Queen of the Road". The following year, the TUB was aimed at professionals with a major novelty: its sliding side loading door.   
Chaine de montage des véhicules Citroën à l'usine de Javel
1945-1947 RECONSTRUCTION OF THE CITROËN JAVEL FACTORY
During the Second World War, the Javel factory was shut down due to a devastating bombardment. From 1945, the factory was rebuilt. In 1946, at the October show, Citroën presented 3 new models: Saloon 11, 11 light and 15/6. The event is also the first presentation of the Type H, which succeeds the TUB.   
La 2CV et la 2CV Fourgonette dans un bain de foule
1948-1950 PRESENTATION OF THE 2 CV
The 2 CV is finally presented to the public at the Paris Motor Show. This new approach to individual transport will be manufactured in more than 5 million copies until 1990. In 1950, the van version comes out, displaying 250 kg of payload, a speed of 60 km/h and a consumption of 5 L/ 100km.   
Équipage après la victoire de Citroën ID 19 au rallye de Monte-Carlo
1955-1958 DS ET CITROËN ID 19
In 1955, Citroën presented the DS at the Paris Motor Show. Designed by Flaminio Bertoni, the car is an aerodynamic and aesthetic revolution. In 1958, ID 19 won the Monte-Carlo rally. It was following this victory that Citroën decided to take part in motor racing on the road.   
Citroën Dyane présentée en 1967
1960-1969 CITROËN AMI 6, DYANE AND MEHARI
In 1960, Ami 6 was launched on the same day throughout Europe. In 1967, Dyane took over the mechanics of the 2 CV but with the modularity of a station wagon. And in 1968, Méhari broke the codes again. All roads and all uses, this car with a plastic body became the icon of its time.   
La GS, présentée au salon de Paris en 1971
1970-1974 CITROËN SM, GS ET CX
Luxurious and sporty, SM launched in 1970 enhances the innovations of DS. The same year, GS distinguished itself with its most aerodynamic bodywork on the market. In 1974, CX presented the synthesis of the Brand's research. Its hydropneumatic suspensions and its futuristic dashboard will mark the automobile.    
Citroën LN au salon de Paris
1976-1978 CITROËN LN, LNA ET VISA
1976 is the year of the first presentation of the CX station wagon, then of the LN at the Paris Motor Show. LN responds to the oil shock: it offers the smallest engine in the range. In 1978, the Brand launched the LNA and the Visa. These are the first production cars equipped with Integral Electronic Ignition.   
Citroën AX lancée en 1986
1980-1987 2 CV CHARLESTONE, CITROËN BX ET AX
Launched as a limited series in 1980, the 2 CV Charleston was so popular with its two-tone bodywork that it was mass-produced. In 1982, Citroën made an impression with the BX, a modern design hatchback that offered 5 doors and 5 seats. Four years later, it is the AX, which creates the surprise.   
Citroën XM élue voiture de l'année en 1990
1989-1994 CITROËN XM, ZX AND JUMPER
Back to the top of the range with XM, equipped with intelligent Hydractives suspensions. A world first which earned it the title of car of the year and 14 awards. In 1991, ZX offered a sliding rear seat with an adjustable backrest. In 1994, Citroën launched Jumper with Peugeot and Fiat.   
Citroen Saxo en 1996
1995-1998 CITROËN SAXO, BERLINGO ET XSARA PICASSO
Citroën presents Jumpy, its compact utility vehicle. On this momentum, Citroën Berlingo arrives the following year, followed closely by Berlingo Multispace as well as by Saxo. In 1997, for the centenary of the Paris Motor Show, Citroën unveiled the Xsara Picasso, a compact sedan and monovolume.   
Citroën C3 commercialisée en 2002
2000-2004 CITROËN C5 ET C3
The 2000 Paris Motor Show welcomes Citroën C5, a synthesis of elegance and dynamism. Two years later, Citroën C3 is marketed in France. Its curves are reminiscent of those of the 2 CV. His welcome too!   
Citroën C4 Picasso, premier monospace compact de Citroën
2005-2008 CITROËN C1, C6, C4 PICASSO AND C-CROSSER
C1 production was launched in 2005. The Brand presents C6, a technological showcase. The following year, with C4 Picasso, Citroën's first compact MPV appeared. In 2007, the first SUV was launched, named C-Crosser. In 2008, it was the turn of C3 Picasso, which stands out for its spaciousness.    
Nouveau logo de Citroën en 2009
2009 CREATIVE TECHNOLOGIE
On the day of the birth of its founder, Citroën inaugurates its new brand signature: Creative Technology. The Brand also unveils a brand new logo with chrome and rounded chevrons, in 3D. Citroën is written below, in red letters.    
C-Zéro blanche en ville devant un immeuble
2010-2012 C-ZERO AND DS LINE
It was in 2010 that Citroën launched its electric offensive with the new C-Zero city car. The first of a long line! The same year, the DS line was inaugurated with, as the first illustration, DS3. DS4, raised 4-door coupé, follows in 2011. And DS5 is presented in preview in Shanghai.    
Citroën E-Méhari sur une route de campagne
2014-2015 C4 CACTUS AND E-MÉHARI
With C4 Cactus, Citroën offers in 2014 an alternative to compact sedans by reconciling use and aesthetics. At the end of the following year, E-Méhari, an optimistic 100% electric 4-seater convertible, gave a modern nod to the 1968 Méhari.    
Citroën C3 Aircross et Citroën C5 Aircross
2017-2019 CITROËN-STYLE SUVs
In 2017, Citroën is investing in the world of SUVs with C3 Aircross. It is followed by C5 Aircross, ultra-comfortable thanks to its suspensions with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions® and its Advanced Comfort Seats. In 2019, Citroën C5 Aircross Hybrid SUV presents itself as the Brand's first plug-in hybrid model . 
Rassemblement de véhicules Citroën pour les 100 ans de la Marque
100 YEARS OF CITROËN
For the 100th anniversary of Citroën, “Le Rassemblement du Siècle” took over the La Ferté-Vidame site. This mythical site of the Brand notably saw the creation of the 2 CV launched in 1948. More than 10,000 collectors, 4,200 cars and more than 60,000 people took part in this historic event.   
Citroën AMI, en charge sur une prise secteur 220V
2020 AMI
At the start of 2020, Citroën took the entire market by surprise with AMI, an unconventional mobility object. Electric and ultra-compact, it is accessible to everyone, without a permit, with à la carte and affordable offers.   
Collection modèles emblématiques de Citroën

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 an unprecedented immersive experience, both visual and sound, the discovery of the Brand's models, in 3D, indoors and outdoors.

Discover the Citroën origins
Gif avec d'anciens modèles Citroën

THE CITROËN CONSERVATORY

From 1919 to the present day, Citroën has built an unrivaled automotive heritage. A heritage preserved by the Conservatory of Aulnay-sous-bois, a physical museum which houses one of the largest automobile collections in the world with more than 400 historic models. 

Not to mention the industrial and commercial archives that retrace the history of an emblematic brand.

See the key figures