Citroen

Citroën is a French automobile manufacturer, started in 1919 by André Citroën, today part of PSA Peugeot Citroën. Its headquarters are located in Paris, rue Fructidor. more...

Originally a mass-market car maker with relatively straightforward designs, Citroën shocked the world in 1934 with the innovative Traction Avant (front wheel drive) (1934-1956). Until the late 1980s the company had a reputation for approaching auto design in a unique way. Later significant models include the H Van (1947-1981, "HY"), 2CV (1948-1990, The "Ugly Duckling"), DS (1955-1975, "Goddess") and CX (1974-1989).

History

The story of Citroën begins with the founder of the company himself, André Citroën. After serving in the French army, he set up a gear-making business, which became identified with the "herringbone" or double helical gear, which is the origin of the Citroën "double chevron" trademark. In 1919, however, the business started to produce automobiles, beginning with the conventional Type A.

In 1924, Citroën began a relationship with American engineer Edward G. Budd. From 1899, Budd had worked to develop pressed-steel bodies for railroad cars, Pullman in particular. Budd went on to manufacture steel bodies for many automakers, Dodge being his first big auto client. In 1928, Citroën introduced the first all-steel body in Europe. By 1930, Budd had created a prototype for Citroën with a unibody and front wheel drive. It was this prototype that evolved into the Onze Légère and 7 CV (5 kW) Traction Avant of 1934. These cars would set the pattern to be followed thirty years later by the Mini, Volkswagen and nearly every other manufacturer.

In the beginning, the cars were successful. But soon competitors, who still used a wood structure for their bodies, introduced aerodynamic body designs on their cars. Citroën had no way to redesign the body of his cars and the cars began to be perceived as old-fashioned. The Citroëns sold in large quantities despite the stylistic drawback, but the car's low price was the main selling point and Citroën experienced heavy losses. That encouraged André Citroën to develop the Traction Avant, a car so innovative that to it the competition would have no response. Achieving quick development of the Traction Avant was, of course, expensive and contributed to the financial ruin of the company.

Citroën also sponsored some expeditions in Asia (Croisière Jaune) and Africa (Croisière Noire), intended to demonstrate the potential for motor vehicles to cross inhospitable regions. The expeditions conveyed scientists and journalists and were a publicity success.

In 1934, debt forced the company into foreclosure; it was then taken over by its biggest creditor, the tire company Michelin.

Citroën unveiled the 2CV at the Paris Salon in 1948. This car become a bestseller and even a 4wd version with 2 engines (Sahara)were sold in limited numbers.

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