The legendary French carmaker Citroën has a rich history marked by the passion and foresight of the company’s founder: André Citroën, who manufactured not only cars but also angle gears and grenades.
With over one hundred years of history, Citroën has proven itself as one of the top car brands in the world. However, the brand had a bumpy road to where it is now, full of successes and failures.
In 1934, the company brought the first front-wheel drive cars onto the market and revolutionised vehicle construction. There is so much to admire in the history of Citroën and much to learn from! Without further ado, let’s dig into the history of the French Citroën.
Table of Contents
The Brain Behind the Brand!
The visionary André-Gustave Citroën was born in 1878 in Paris. André grew up in the 19th century, a time when something new was invented every day! He studied at École Polytechnique in Paris, probably the most prestigious engineering school of that time.
Entrepreneurial Spirit
André comes from a family whose members all work in business; however, he had no interest in the family business, but he still inherited the family’s business genes. So, he started up his own business while he was still young. A pivotal moment occurred during a visit to his mother’s homeland, Poland, where he observed industrial processes that sparked his imagination. This trip would prove instrumental in shaping his future career.
In Poland, he visited a factory that produced more efficient herringbone gears than the conventional ones. These gears, with their unique V-shaped teeth, offered significant advantages in strength, quiet operation, and load-bearing capacity compared to conventional gear designs.
He was immediately captivated by the potential of this technology and recognised its wide-ranging applications. This fascination led him to secure the right to develop further and improve the herringbone gear production process, laying the groundwork for his future success.
Citroën’s Innovation
However, this is the great Citroën we are talking about, so he added his touch to the product! While the original gears he saw were made of wood, he improved on the technology and came up with metal herringbone gears instead!
In 1902, André took a significant leap of faith, investing all his savings in his first workshop in Paris. Initially, this workshop focused on producing double helical gears, showcasing his early entrepreneurial drive and engineering prowess. His gear manufacturing business thrived through dedication and hard work, providing the financial foundation for his future automotive ambitions.
Over the next several years, his expertise and success in gear production laid the groundwork for what would eventually evolve into the renowned Citroën automobile company, officially established in 1919. This marked the beginning of a legacy that would transform the automotive landscape, AKA the Citroën company!
It All Started with a Gear!
From 1905, André manufactured gears based on his patent, which found applications in various industrial machinery, including gearboxes. The Frenchman’s talent for engineering and innovation was already evident at this time. His double helical gears, known for their strength and smooth operation, quickly gained recognition, establishing his reputation as a skilled gear manufacturer.
A Wartime Entrepreneur
But André showed another facet of his entrepreneurial skills during the First World War. Recognising a critical shortage of munitions for the French armed forces, he saw an opportunity to contribute to the war effort while expanding his manufacturing capabilities. In 1915, he boldly proposed a plan to convert his factory for arms production, specifically grenades, to the Ministry of Defence. This demonstrated his business acumen, adaptability, and willingness to take on large-scale challenges.
After a brief period of retooling and preparation, André’s factory achieved an astonishing output, guaranteeing the production of 10,000 grenades per day. This massive undertaking produced approximately 23 million grenades, a significant contribution to the French war effort and a testament to Citroën’s organisational skills and manufacturing prowess. This experience in large-scale production would prove invaluable in his later automotive ventures.
A Dream of Affordable Mobility
Nonetheless, amidst the demands of wartime production, André never forgot his main passion: automobiles. He nurtured a vision of democratising car ownership, making affordable, comfortable vehicles accessible to the average family. This dream fuelled his ambition and guided his long-term plans.
He meticulously crafted the Citroën brand, envisioning a future where his cars would become ubiquitous, transforming personal transportation for the masses. This vision and his experience in large-scale manufacturing set the stage for Citroën’s revolutionary impact on the automotive industry. He aimed to build cars and revolutionise how people travelled and experienced the world.
The First Steps
The post-war world was different—a new world where everything was possible, so it was the perfect time for André to take his next step. Driven by his unwavering vision, he didn’t wait for the war’s official end to begin laying the groundwork for his automotive ambitions. Work on his first car commenced as early as 1916, demonstrating his foresight and determination.
The Quest for the Right Design
André initially turned to engineer Louis Dufresne, who had experience working for the established French motor manufacturer Panhard, to design his first car. Dufresne’s initial design proved too complex and expensive for Citroën’s vision of a truly affordable vehicle. Instead, Jules Salomon, a talented engineer, became the mind behind Citroën’s first car, the Type A. Salomon’s design prioritised simplicity and ease of manufacturing, aligning perfectly with Citroën’s goal of mass production.
The First Citroën
In 1919, Citroën put his vision into action, implementing his plan to create an inexpensive car for the public. Inspired by Henry Ford’s concept of mass-produced, affordable automobiles, André’s vision was to offer the public vigorous, reliable cars at a price within reach of the average person.
The Citroën 10 HP Type A, built between 1919 and 1921, represented the first step towards achieving this ambitious goal. While Ford’s Model T provided a model for mass production, the Type A was a distinct design with its own unique characteristics, reflecting Citroën’s innovative engineering approach.
A Businessman’s Touch
The Citroën 10 HP Type A was successful in every way, thanks to André’s business genes! Not only did he make the car of his dreams, but he also made sure to shower the country with garages and dealerships in case any customer needed service, ensuring that customers had access to convenient service and maintenance. This forward-thinking approach to customer care was key to Type A’s widespread adoption and cemented Citroën’s reputation as a customer-centric brand.
The Beginning of the End
In 924, André presented the Citroën B10; the car was a success, like all the Citroën cars. However, soon, the end seemed near, with the company drowning in debt! There are various reasons; while some claim that the main cause was André’s tendency to lead a lavish life, the core issues lay elsewhere.
The True Cost of Innovation
All Citroën cars had steel bodies imported from the US, which required a lot of money. On the other hand, competitors at that time caught up with the company’s success in offering new wooden designs, which cost less than metal, and soon, the advantage of selling cheap cars became a burden.
The Traction Avant: A Financial Gamble
At the time, Citroën was deeply engaged in developing the revolutionary Citroën Traction Avant. With its front-wheel-drive technology and unibody construction, this groundbreaking car represented a significant leap forward in automotive engineering.
However, this innovation came at a steep price. The Traction Avant’s development costs were substantial, requiring significant investment in new technology and tooling. Simultaneously, Citroën was undertaking extensive modifications to its factories to accommodate the production of this innovative vehicle, further exacerbating the financial strain.
Welcoming the Michelin Brothers
Failing to find proper investors to join in, Citroën became dependable on creditors and banks. Citroën became increasingly reliant on creditors and banks. This dependence ultimately proved unsustainable, and despite his best efforts, the weight of debt pushed the company to the brink. In 1934, facing insurmountable financial challenges, Citroën filed for bankruptcy.
At this critical juncture, the Michelin tyre company, already a major creditor due to their tyre supply relationship, stepped in to save the company from complete collapse. Fearing the loss of a significant customer and the potential impact on employment, Michelin became the primary shareholder, effectively rescuing Citroën from liquidation. Their motivation was primarily pragmatic, aiming to protect their own interests, but the intervention proved crucial for Citroën’s survival.
A Founder’s Loss
Sadly, just a year later, in 1935, André Citroën succumbed to stomach cancer. He tragically never witnessed the subsequent revival of the company he had built from the ground up; his innovative spirit and entrepreneurial vision were cut short. His legacy, however, would continue to shape the future of Citroën.
New Leadership at the Helm
Following the Michelin takeover, Pierre Michelin assumed a leading role within Citroën. While the specific title of CEO might not fully encapsulate the complexities of the management structure during this transitional period, Pierre Michelin undoubtedly played a crucial role in guiding the company’s recovery and shaping its direction. Along with other Michelin family members and key executives, he steered Citroën towards a new chapter, building upon André Citroën’s innovative foundation.
A New Era: Citroën Traction Avant
The Citroën Traction Avant, manufactured between 1934 and 1957, became an instant classic and solidified the company’s reputation for avant-garde engineering and design. The very name “Traction Avant” (front-wheel drive) highlighted its most significant innovation.
While often attributed solely to Flaminio Bertoni, the car’s design was a collaborative effort. Bertoni was responsible for the distinctive and aerodynamic body styling, while the groundbreaking chassis and engineering, including the front-wheel-drive system, were the work of André Lefèbvre and his team.
A Pioneer of Automotive Technology
The Traction Avant was a truly groundbreaking automobile in many respects. It pioneered monocoque (unibody) construction, a technique in which the body and chassis are integrated into a single unit, offering significant strength, weight, and rigidity advantages. This innovative construction method, combined with front-wheel drive, independent suspension, and hydraulic brakes, created a revolutionary package.
While these features existed individually in other cars, no mass-produced vehicle combined them into one platform. This innovative integration set the Traction Avant apart and influenced automotive design for decades. The Traction Avant’s front-wheel drive was particularly noteworthy, making it one of the most successful early examples of this configuration in a mass-produced passenger car. It helped popularise what is now a dominant drivetrain layout.
It’s Wartime!
The outbreak of World War II in 1940 dramatically altered the global landscape, and France fell under German occupation. Like many French factories, Citroën’s production facilities were commandeered by the occupying forces, and the company was compelled to manufacture trucks for the Wehrmacht (German armed forces). This period presented immense challenges and moral dilemmas for French industrialists.
A Tale of Dipstick Sabotage: Myth or Reality?
A popular anecdote recounts a story of clever resistance involving Pierre-Jules Boulanger, often mistakenly identified as the vice president of Citroën and engineer in charge of design and conception during the war. However, Pierre-Jules Boulanger tragically died in a car accident in 1938 before the occupation began. The story is often attributed to him, or sometimes to his nephew, Pierre Boulanger (without the “Jules”), and claims that he devised a cunning plan to sabotage the trucks being produced for the Germans subtly.
The story goes that Pierre-Jules Boulanger/Pierre Boulanger instructed workers to alter the trucks’ oil dipstick notches, making it appear that the oil level was sufficient when it was low. This manipulation, it is claimed, would lead to engine damage and breakdowns, hindering the German war effort.
The Reality of Wartime Production
The reality of wartime production under German occupation was complex and challenging. While acts of resistance did occur, they were often more subtle and clandestine than the dipstick sabotage story suggests. The focus for many French industrialists, including those at Citroën, was likely on survival, balancing the demands of the occupying forces with the safety and well-being of their workforce.
Cult Car Duck and Pioneering Vans
After the Second World War, Citroën introduced a revolutionary car: the 2CV, affectionately known as the “Duck.” Produced from 1948 to 1990, the 2CV profoundly impacted the automotive landscape, offering affordable and practical transportation to a broad spectrum of society.
While the Traction Avant remained a successful model for Citroën, the 2CV expanded the company’s reach by targeting a different market segment, particularly those in rural areas who needed a simple, robust, and economical vehicle.
The “Duck” Takes Flight: A Car for the People
Pierre Boulanger, a key figure at Citroën, envisioned a car that could cater to the needs of farmers and other rural residents who still relied heavily on horses and carts.
His objective, often summarised as creating a car that could “carry four people and 50kg of potatoes or a keg at a maximum speed of 60 km/h,” captured the essence of the 2CV’s utilitarian design. This gamble paid off handsomely, as the 2CV became Citroën’s most popular model ever, with over 5 million units (including variants) produced during its remarkable 42-year production run.
Pioneering Van: A Workhorse is Born
Aiming to further innovate the commercial vehicle segment, Citroën presented the Type H van in 1948, not 1947, as sometimes reported. This distinctive corrugated iron van quickly became ubiquitous in French commerce and left an enduring legacy on modern van design. Its practicality and robust construction made it a favourite among businesses and tradespeople.
Lifesaver: The DS Generation and General De Gaulle
The Citroën DS, nicknamed the Shark, was shown for the first time at the Paris Motor Show in 1955. It was an avant-garde car for its time. The car, designed by Flaminio Bertoni, is a goddess—not only because this is the translation of the model’s French name, “Déesse,” but also because it is simply a beautiful car equipped with refined details—for example, self-steering headlights and an automatic clutch.
A Presidential Escape
The DS’s reputation was solidified on 22 August 1962, during the failed assassination attempt on French President Charles de Gaulle in Petit-Clamart. As the President’s DS came under fire, the tyres were punctured. However, thanks to the remarkable hydropneumatic suspension, the car remained stable and controllable, even on three wheels. The driver skillfully navigated the damaged vehicle to safety, saving the President’s life and etching the DS into the annals of history. This dramatic incident cemented the DS’s reputation for both innovation and resilience.
Memorable Cooperations
Throughout its history, Citroën has engaged in several notable collaborations, forging partnerships that have resulted in some truly unique and innovative vehicles. These memorable cooperations, often bridging different automotive philosophies and national engineering traditions, have left a lasting mark on the automotive landscape.
Maserati: A Franco-Italian Fusion
The cooperation between the French carmaker and the Italian sports car manufacturer Maserati was like a wild marriage. The collaboration between Citroën and Italian sports car manufacturer Maserati was a complex and often challenging partnership. This collaboration resulted in the Citroën SM, a striking grand tourer introduced in 1970. The SM’s sleek and aerodynamic design, again the work of Flaminio Bertoni, housed a Maserati-engineered V6 engine, not a V8.
Performance and Production
This potent powerplant produced around 170-180 hp, depending on the market and model year, enabling the beautifully designed SM to achieve a top speed of approximately 225 km/h. Production of the SM continued until 1975, with around 13,000 units being built during its five-year run. Despite its innovative design and impressive performance, the SM faced various challenges, including the oil crisis of the early 1970s, ultimately contributing to its relatively short production lifespan.
The PSA Peugeot Citroën Phase: A Crisis and a Merger
By the early 1970s, Citroën again faced significant financial challenges. The SM’s development costs, coupled with the oil crisis and a turbulent economic climate, placed a severe strain on the company’s resources. To address this precarious situation, the French government intervened, recognising the vital role of both Citroën and Peugeot in the national economy.
They proposed a merger between the two companies to stabilise both and create a more resilient automotive group. After negotiations and planning, the merger of Peugeot and Citroën was officially finalised in 1976, not 1974, with Peugeot S.A. acquiring a 90% shareholding in Citroën.
A Path to Stability
The French government’s intervention facilitated the merger of Peugeot and Citroën, a strategic move that ultimately strengthened both brands. While the immediate effects might not have been dramatic, the long-term benefits of shared platforms, technologies, and resources gradually became evident.
Recent Years: Navigating a Changing Landscape
The past two decades have seen Citroën navigate a complex and evolving automotive market, marked by changing consumer preferences, increasing competition, and the rise of new technologies. The brand has sought to maintain its distinctive identity while adapting to these dynamic market forces.
A Focus on Comfort and Practicality
Citroën has continued to emphasise its traditional strengths: comfort and practicality. Models like the C3 Aircross and C5 Aircross SUVs have catered to the growing demand for crossovers and SUVs while still retaining Citroën’s characteristic focus on ride comfort and interior space. This focus on practicality has resonated with families and those seeking versatile vehicles suited to everyday life.
The DS Ascends
The launch and subsequent separation of the DS brand has been a significant development for Citroën. Initially, a sub-brand leveraging the heritage of the iconic DS model, DS Automobiles has evolved into a standalone marque targeting the premium segment.
Models like the DS 7 Crossback and DS 9 saloon have sought to challenge established premium brands, emphasising distinctive design and advanced technology. This separation has allowed Citroën to focus on its core values of comfort, practicality, and affordability while DS pursues a more premium and design-oriented path.
Embracing Electrification
Citroën has recognised the importance of electrification and has been steadily expanding its range of electric and electrified vehicles. Models like the ë-C4 and Ami have demonstrated Citroën’s commitment to sustainable mobility, offering electric alternatives in different segments.
The Ami, in particular, has taken a unique approach to urban mobility, providing a compact and affordable electric quadricycle suited to city driving. Citroën’s electrification strategy reflects the broader industry trend towards zero-emission vehicles and positions the brand for a future of sustainable mobility.
Looking Ahead
Citroën faces the ongoing challenge of maintaining its distinct identity in a crowded marketplace. The brand’s focus on comfort, practicality, and innovative design remains central to its strategy. Citroën’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and embrace new technologies will be crucial for its continued success as the automotive industry evolves.
The brand’s commitment to electrification and its ongoing exploration of new mobility solutions suggest a future where Citroën continues to play a significant role in shaping people’s mobility.
Conclusion
The history of the French automotive giant is not short of surprises. From cutting-edge technologies to not-so-great models, Citroën always found a way to come back stronger after each challenge, carving its name in the book of history and still continues to amaze!