Citroen

The Citroen automobile company was founded early in the 20th century by French entrepreneur Andre Citroen. Having manufactured armaments for World War I, Citroen found himself at the war’s conclusion with a factory, but no product. In 1919, this factory produced its first automobile – the Type A – and by the 1930s, Citroen had become the fourth-largest car manufacturer in the world. In 1934, Citroen developed the revolutionary Traction Avant, the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel drive car. Featuring front-wheel, independent suspension and unitary body with no separate frame, the Traction Avant transformed the construction of the modern automobile. Citroen continued to build its reputation for innovation and creativity with the iconic 2CV in 1948 – powerful and ideal for off-road use in rural areas – and the DS in 1955 – technologically-advanced, with an aerodynamic, futuristic design. Production of the Citroen DS began in Australia in the 1960s, and in 1999 the vehicle was named third in The Car of the Century competition. Despite inspiring a level of brand loyalty unusual in the automobile industry, a handful of failed ventures between 1955 and 1970 led to huge losses for Citroen, and the company was finally brought to its knees by the 1973 oil crisis. In 1976, Peugeot SA purchased a 90% stake in Citroen and the companies were combined to become PSA Peugeot Citroen. Today, the brand continues to produce a large variety of new cars, including the popular Citroen C4, C4 Picasso, C3, C5 and C6. Citroen has demonstrated an interest in green car technology, with hybrid electric and plug-in hybrid concept vehicles currently in development. Citroen cars have also been highly successful in motor sports, winning four Manufacturer’s and five Driver’s titles in the World Rally Championship.