Citroën

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French automobile brand founded by André Citroën in 1919, known for mass-market innovation and now part of Stellantis.

Last updated October 27, 2026

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Overview

Citroën is a French automobile brand founded in 1919 by André Citroën, one of Europe's pioneering mass-market car makers. The company introduced early assembly-line production in Europe and built a reputation for engineering boldness, comfort-focused suspension, and distinctive design. Its historic models include the Traction Avant, the 2CV, the DS, and the CX, each of which helped define affordable motoring in different eras. Citroën has long been positioned as a mainstream, value-oriented brand with a strong emphasis on ride comfort and practical innovation. After decades of independence, Citroën became part of PSA Peugeot Citroën, and following the 2021 merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles it is now a brand within Stellantis. Under Stellantis, Citroën continues to serve as the group's accessible, comfort-led European marque, with a lineup spanning small city cars, compact hatchbacks, family SUVs, and light commercial vehicles. The brand has a significant presence in Europe and also operates in markets such as China, Latin America, the Middle East, Africa, and parts of Southeast Asia. Citroën's identity is closely tied to its history of unconventional solutions, from hydropneumatic suspension to the modern Advanced Comfort program. Its vehicles are marketed on spaciousness, soft ride quality, and distinctive styling rather than outright sportiness. The brand also has a strong commercial-vehicle heritage through models such as the Berlingo and Jumper/Relay vans, which are widely used by small businesses and fleets. As part of Stellantis, Citroën shares platforms and powertrains with sibling brands while retaining a separate design language and market positioning. The brand has been active in electrification, offering battery-electric and hybrid versions of core models, and it continues to refresh its range with an emphasis on affordability and comfort. Its long history, global footprint, and recognizable design make it one of the better-known European automotive nameplates.

History

Citroën was founded in 1919 by André Citroën, a French industrialist who had previously built gear components and munitions. The company's first car, the Type A, was launched in 1919 and is often cited as one of the first mass-produced European automobiles. Citroën pioneered assembly-line manufacturing in Europe and quickly expanded its range, becoming one of France's largest car makers by the 1920s and 1930s. In 1934, Citroën introduced the Traction Avant, a front-wheel-drive, unitary-body car that was technically advanced for its time. The model's development costs contributed to financial difficulties, and in 1935 the company was taken over by Michelin, which had been a major creditor. Under Michelin ownership, Citroën continued to innovate. The 2CV, launched in 1948, became an icon of affordable, utilitarian motoring and remained in production for decades. The 1955 DS introduced hydropneumatic suspension and futuristic styling, cementing Citroën's reputation for bold engineering. Citroën remained under Michelin until 1974, when it was merged with Peugeot to form PSA Peugeot Citroën. The merger created a French automotive group capable of competing with larger global manufacturers. In the following decades, Citroën expanded its lineup with models such as the CX, BX, XM, Xantia, and C-series, while also building a strong commercial-vehicle business. The brand faced challenges in the 1980s and 1990s but maintained a distinct identity within PSA. In the 2000s and 2010s, Citroën repositioned itself as a mainstream, comfort-oriented brand, introducing the C3, C4, and C5 families and the DS sub-brand, which was later spun off as a separate premium marque. The company also expanded in China and other emerging markets through joint ventures and local production. In 2021, PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to create Stellantis, making Citroën one of the group's many brands. Under Stellantis, Citroën has focused on affordable electrification, launching models such as the ë-C3 and updating its range with hybrid powertrains. The brand continues to emphasize comfort and value while sharing platforms and technology across the Stellantis portfolio.

2021
PSA merges with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis; Citroën becomes a Stellantis brand.
1974
Citroën merges with Peugeot to form PSA Peugeot Citroën.
1955
DS introduced with hydropneumatic suspension.
1948
2CV launched, becoming an icon of affordable motoring.
1935
Michelin takes over Citroën.
1934
Traction Avant introduced with front-wheel drive and unitary body.
1919
Citroën founded by André Citroën; Type A launched.

Products and positioning

Mainstream, comfort-focused, value-oriented European automobile brand within Stellantis.

1919
Citroën Type A
1934
Citroën Traction Avant
1948
Citroën 2CV
1955
Citroën DS
1974
Citroën CX
1982
Citroën BX
1989
Citroën XM
1993
Citroën Xantia
2002
Citroën C3
2004
Citroën C4
2017
Citroën C5 Aircross
2023
Citroën ë-C3

Controversies

2026
Stellantis reinforces Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africa
Stellantis SA reinforced its Takata airbag recall campaign in South Africa, continuing a Stop-Drive safety warning for selected Citroën, DS, Chrysler, Jeep, Opel, Peugeot and Chevrolet models. The company urged owners of unrepaired vehicles to stop driving and arrange a free repair.
Source
2020
French court restricts Polestar mark use in France
A French court ruled that Polestar could not use its mark in France for at least six months and ordered it to pay a €150,000 fine. The ruling followed a claim by Citroën that Polestar's mark infringed its French trademark rights, according to the report. The dispute concerns an alleged similarity between the two marks. The report does not specify further details of the court's reasoning or any additional outcomes.
Source

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