Citroën Argentina
The former Argentine Citroën subsidiary that produced and sold Citroën vehicles locally from 1959 to 1979.
Last updated August 21, 2026
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Overview
Citroën cars first entered Argentina as imports in the 1920s. Early dealers offered small cars like the 5CV as well as larger C-series models. Before World War II, representation of Citroën in Argentina changed hands several times, with imported models including the C4, C6, and later the Traction Avant. Import restrictions during the war interrupted supply, but sales resumed through official dealers after 1946. The Traction Avant built a solid reputation for both daily driving and long-distance travel. The 2CV officially entered Argentina in the late 1950s. Its light construction, low running costs, and suspension adapted well to Argentina's mixed road conditions, including rough rural roads. After the model generated local interest, Citroën obtained authorization to manufacture vehicles in Argentina. Citroën Argentina was established in 1959 by government decree, and assembly began in Jeppener in February 1960. In May of the same year, a large factory in Barracas, Buenos Aires, was inaugurated. The Barracas plant integrated machining, body production, painting, final assembly, parts distribution, and after-sales service. Localization increased over time, with imported French parts gradually replaced by Argentine-made components and assemblies. The company also participated in regional trade by exporting parts and complete vehicles. Production grew rapidly, reaching 15,280 units in 1969, and the 2CV became the basis for a broader local product line. In November 1969, Citroën Argentina launched the 3CV AZAM-M28. Although derived from the 2CV, it featured a larger 602cc engine, improved gearbox, better brakes, hydraulic shock absorbers, and constant-velocity drive shafts. The company also produced AK and AKR vans using related mechanical components. The Ami 8 Club estate joined the lineup in late 1970, offering a more conventional compact family model. In 1971, the Méhari was added as an open multi-purpose vehicle, with its body made in Uruguay from glass-fiber-reinforced polyester rather than ABS, reflecting regional production capabilities. The company continued production until the late 1970s, but Argentina's economic and industrial environment became increasingly difficult. Import liberalization subjected local manufacturers to new competitive demands, and the subsidiary reported that it lacked the financial resources needed to modernize, reduce costs, and improve products. Citroën Argentina ceased operations on December 31, 1979, having produced a total of 223,442 vehicles. The brand did not permanently exit the Argentine market. Eduardo Sal-Lari acquired the market position of the original business and established Industrias Eduardo Sal-Lari using Citroën-derived technology. The IES 3CV and Safari were based on earlier Citroën designs, with the 3CV featuring a heavily modified powertrain. IES eventually closed around 1990. Citroën later returned through PSA Group's Argentine subsidiary, rather than through the original Citroën Argentina. In 2021, PSA Group Argentina became part of Stellantis Argentina.
History
Citroën vehicles first reached Argentina as imports during the 1920s. Early distributors offered small cars such as the 5CV as well as larger C-series models. Citroën's Argentine representation changed hands several times before the Second World War, while imported models included the C4, C6 and later the Traction Avant. Import restrictions during the war interrupted supplies, but sales resumed after 1946 through official dealerships. The Traction Avant developed a strong reputation and was used both for everyday motoring and long-distance travel. The 2CV arrived officially in the late 1950s. Its light construction, low running costs and suspension suited Argentina's mixed road conditions, including rough rural routes. After the model attracted local interest, Citroën obtained authorization to manufacture vehicles in the country. Citroën Argentina S.A. was established by government decree in 1959, and assembly began in February 1960 at Jeppener. A larger factory in Barracas, Buenos Aires, was inaugurated in May of that year. The Barracas complex integrated mechanical work, body production, painting, final assembly, parts distribution and service support. Local content increased over time, replacing imported French components with Argentine-made parts and assemblies. The company also participated in regional trade by exporting components and complete vehicles. Production grew rapidly, reaching 15,280 vehicles in 1969, and the 2CV became the foundation of a broader local range. Citroën Argentina introduced the 3CV AZAM-M28 in November 1969. Although derived from the 2CV, it had a larger 602 cc engine, a revised gearbox, improved brakes, hydraulic dampers and homokinetic driveshafts. The company also produced AK and AKR vans using related mechanical components. The Ami 8 Club station wagon joined the range at the end of 1970, offering a more conventional compact-family format. In 1971, the Méhari was added as an open utility model. Its body was made from fibreglass-reinforced polyester in Uruguay rather than ABS, reflecting regional production capabilities. The company continued to produce vehicles into the late 1970s, but Argentina's economic and industrial environment became increasingly difficult. Import liberalization exposed local manufacturers to new competitive requirements, while the subsidiary reported that it lacked the financial resources needed for modernization, cost reduction and product improvement. Citroën Argentina ceased activities on December 31, 1979, having built 223,442 vehicles. The brand did not disappear permanently from the Argentine market. Eduardo Sal-Lari acquired the former operation's market position and used Citroën-derived technology to establish Industrias Eduardo Sal-Lari. The IES 3CV and Safari were based on earlier Citroën designs, with the 3CV receiving a substantially modified powertrain. IES eventually closed around 1990. Citroën later returned under the PSA Group's Argentine subsidiary, rather than through the original Citroën Argentina S.A. In 2021, PSA Group Argentina became part of Stellantis Argentina.
- 2021
Local PSA operations join Stellantis
[1]The later Argentine Citroën operation became part of Stellantis Argentina.
- 1979
Original subsidiary closes
[1]Citroën Argentina ceased activities on December 31 after producing 223,442 vehicles.
- 1971
Méhari production begins
[1]The open Méhari utility model was introduced with a regionally produced fibreglass body.
- 1970
Ami 8 Club enters production
[1]The Argentine plant added the Ami 8 Club station wagon to its compact-car lineup.
- 1969
3CV AZAM-M28 introduced
[1]Citroën Argentina launched a locally adapted 2CV derivative with a 602 cc engine and revised running gear.
- 1964
Annual output reaches 6,954 vehicles
[1]The subsidiary's production expanded significantly from its first-year level.
- 1960
2CV production begins
[1]Initial assembly took place at Jeppener, followed by the opening of the Barracas factory.
- 1959
Citroën Argentina S.A. is established
[1]The Argentine subsidiary received legal authorization and approval for local production of small Citroën automobiles.
- 1925
Vengerow becomes a Citroën distributor
[1]Vengerow y Cía. received authorization to sell Citroën vehicles and promoted the 5CV and related body styles.
- 1920
First Citroën imports reach Argentina
[1]Citroën vehicles began appearing in Argentina through individual imports and early commercial representatives.
Products and positioning
Affordable, practical and mechanically simple compact transportation adapted to Argentine urban, rural and coastal conditions.
Compact car · 1960
Citroën 2CV
The 2CV was the foundation of Citroën Argentina's local manufacturing program. Argentine production began in 1960 after an initial period of provisional assembly. Its light weight, simple engineering, low operating costs and long-travel suspension made it suitable for Argentina's varied terrain. The local range later incorporated market-specific changes and evolved into the 3CV family.
Compact car · 1969
Citroën 3CV AZAM-M28
Introduced in 1969, the 3CV AZAM-M28 was an Argentine-developed evolution of the 2CV. It used a 602 cc engine and included a revised transmission, larger front brake drums, hydraulic dampers, homokinetic driveshafts and updated lighting. The model reflected Citroën Argentina's effort to adapt the basic 2CV architecture to local expectations and regulations.
Station wagon · 1970
Ami 8 Club
The Ami 8 Club was produced in Argentina as a station wagon and occupied a larger, more family-oriented position than the 2CV and 3CV. It shared much of the 3CV's mechanical basis but used a twin-barrel carburetor and chassis changes including a front stabilizer bar, revised suspension components and larger wheel bearings.
Light utility vehicle · 1971
Citroën Méhari
The Argentine Méhari was an open-bodied utility vehicle aimed at younger buyers and users in rural and coastal areas. Its body used fibreglass-reinforced polyester manufactured in Uruguay, while the mechanical package was based on the 3CV. Most examples were red, with a documented blue series supplied to the Tucumán police.
Panel van · 1970
AK and AKR vans
The AK and AKR were compact panel-van derivatives using 3CV mechanical components. The AKR included side glazing, while the standard AK had an unglazed cargo body. They extended the 2CV-derived platform into light commercial use for tradespeople, deliveries and small businesses.
Marketing campaigns
- 1960Buenos Aires International Motor Show test track
Argentina
Citroën Argentina created a demonstration track at the Buenos Aires International Motor Show that reproduced different Argentine road conditions. Test drivers demonstrated the 2CV's ability to cope with varied surfaces and terrain, giving visitors direct experience of the vehicle's practical positioning.
Outcome. The exhibition increased public visibility for the locally produced range.
Brand decisions
1979
End the original Argentine operationStrategyBackground
The company reported inadequate financial support and argued that import liberalization required investment to lower costs and improve locally produced vehicles.
Action taken
Citroën Argentina stopped operations on December 31, 1979.
Aftermath
The original subsidiary became defunct after producing 223,442 vehicles. The brand later returned through PSA Group Argentina rather than through the original company.
Vehicle production. 8,226 vehicles in 1978 → 10,479 vehicles in 1979 (Annual production, 1978-1979)
1971
Localize the Méhari bodyProduct launchBackground
Citroën Argentina identified rural, coastal and recreational applications for an open utility vehicle, but regional manufacturing capabilities differed from those available in Europe.
Action taken
The company introduced the Méhari with a fibreglass-reinforced polyester body manufactured in Uruguay and 3CV mechanical components.
Aftermath
The model extended the brand beyond conventional compact cars and included a special blue series for the Tucumán police.
1969
Develop the 3CV as a local 2CV evolutionGeneration changeBackground
The Argentine subsidiary sought to broaden and modernize its established 2CV-based product line.
Action taken
It launched the 3CV AZAM-M28 with a larger engine, revised transmission, improved brakes, updated suspension and styling changes.
Aftermath
The 3CV became a central product in the Argentine range and also served as the basis for commercial and utility derivatives.
1959
Commit to local 2CV manufacturingStrategyBackground
Growing interest in imported 2CV vehicles and Argentina's industrial policy created a basis for local production.
Action taken
Citroën obtained authorization to invest in Argentina and established Citroën Argentina S.A. to assemble and manufacture small vehicles.
Aftermath
The decision led to the Barracas plant and a two-decade local production program.
Sources1 sources
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