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Citroen is a French car manufacturer that has been producing innovative and stylish vehicles for over 100 years. Founded by Andre Citroën in 1919, the company quickly became known for its advanced engineering and forward-thinking designs. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the history of Citroen and some of the key milestones that have made it one of the most iconic car brands in the world.

Early Years

Citroen’s founder, Andre Citroën, was an engineer and entrepreneur who had previously worked for the Mors automobile company. He was inspired by Henry Ford’s innovative production methods and decided to apply similar techniques to the production of cars in France. In 1919, Citroën founded his own company and began producing cars at a factory in Paris.

One of the company’s earliest successes was the Type A, which was introduced in 1919. This was a small and affordable car that was designed to appeal to the mass market. Citroën used advanced manufacturing techniques to produce the Type A, which allowed him to sell it at a lower price than his competitors.

Innovative Designs

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, Citroen continued to push the boundaries of automotive design. One of the company’s most famous innovations was the Traction Avant, which was introduced in 1934. This was a front-wheel-drive car with independent 4-wheel suspension, which was a major departure from the conventional rear-wheel-drive designs of the time.

The Traction Avant was a huge success, and it quickly became known for its advanced engineering and stylish design. It was also used by the French military during World War II, further cementing its reputation as a reliable and durable car.

Another iconic Citroen model from this period was the 2CV, which was introduced in 1948. This was a small and affordable car that was designed to be used by farmers and other rural workers. It had a distinctive, rounded design and was incredibly popular in France and other parts of Europe.

Later Years

In the 1950s and 1960s, Citroen continued to innovate and introduce new models. One of the most famous of these was the DS, which was introduced in 1955. This was a luxury car that was designed to be both stylish and comfortable. It featured advanced hydraulic suspension and power steering, which made it one of the most advanced cars of its time.

In the 1970s, Citroen introduced the CX, which was a mid-size luxury car that was designed to replace the DS. It featured a sleek, aerodynamic design and advanced engineering, including hydropneumatic suspension and a self-leveling system.

Today, Citroen continues to produce high-quality cars and commercial vehicles that are known for their innovative designs and advanced technology. The company is part of the Stellantis group, which is one of the largest automotive companies in the world. Whether you’re looking for a practical family car or a high-performance sports car, Citroen has something to offer for every type of driver.