The pride of the French - "sent from above" brand Citroën
Car brands are iconic and historical, but this is not about the Citroën brand, which combines both. All this is because the company has always been true to its traditions and was ahead of its time in its development. Only cars of this brand chose the head of state and Fantômas, and it was the Citroën car that saved his life during the assassination attempt on General de Gaulle. In the company's homeland, in France, Citroën cars are called "sent from above" and are rightfully proud of them.
The origins of the auto brand
Andre Citroen was born in 1878. His father Levi Citroen at that time was a successful entrepreneur engaged in the processing of precious stones and their subsequent sale. But his father was not his mentor in the business world. When Andre was only 6 years old, the head of the family committed suicide. After Levy's death, his family inherited not only a large inheritance, but, more importantly, connections in Parisian financial and industrial circles. In those years, the sons traditionally continued to run the family business, but the young Citroen was far from trading, he was more attracted to technology. And therefore, after graduating from the Polytechnic School at the age of 23, he goes to work in the workshops of his friends Esten, engaged in the production of parts for steam locomotives. After 4 years, Andre invests all his inheritance in the Esten business and becomes a co-owner of their business.
While in Poland, Citroen happened to get into a small factory, where, among other parts, gears were also produced, designed by an unknown self-taught mechanic. Citroen immediately realized the promise of this technology and acquired a patent for its application. Becoming a partner in the business of the Estenovs, the enterprising Andre set up the production of gears at the plant, which were much more advanced than their counterparts produced by competitors. Soon these products are in demand in many countries, which in turn brings huge financial profits to their owners. Since that time, the company's brand emblem, now known to almost everyone, in the form of two inverted letters "V", which is a schematic designation of bevel gears, originates. The French themselves call this emblem "double chevron".
At the plant, Andre was engaged in the performance of duties not only of the commercial, but also of the technical director. And in a short time, the young entrepreneur no longer had worthy competitors. Thanks to the excellent reputation earned, Citroen was invited in 1908 to the Mogs car factory to take the position of technical director, after which the company's business began to go uphill.
The First World War did not prevent Andre from showing his entrepreneurial abilities. Realizing how disastrous things are for the French army with ammunition, Citroen offers the War Ministry to conclude a contract with him to build a plant for the large-scale production of shells in three months. After long negotiations, the state nevertheless agrees to Citroen's proposal and allocates him 20% of the required amount. Andre borrows the rest of the money from fellow financiers and industrialists. During the three months indicated, a factory was built on the empty banks of the Seine, producing more ammunition than all other enterprises put together. Andre himself explained his success with "an excellent organization."
The first steps of Andre Citroen in the automotive industry
Even when the war was in full swing, the entrepreneur was carried away by the idea of creating his own car and ordered the designers to draw the car, which later received his name. And when the war ended, Citroen had everything to organize his own car manufacturing enterprise: experience, highly qualified specialists, production facilities where ammunition had previously been created, and huge sums of money earned in the war. In 1912, Andre visited the Ford factories and learned details about the American conveyor production of cars. After 7 years, Citroen, together with engineer Jules Salomon, began to create cars.
In 1919, all French newspapers were full of announcements about the imminent release of a new car, the cost of which would be only 7.25 thousand francs. At the time, no automaker could offer a similarly low cost. This news produced a stunning effect. In just a couple of weeks, about 16 thousand applications were received for the purchase of a novelty called Citroën "A", which was released in the late spring of 1919. The model was equipped with a 1.3-liter engine, developing a power of 10 "horses", and, for the first time among European cars, an electric starter. Citroën "A" could reach a maximum speed of 60 km per hour and had a fairly spacious interior. At the same time, already in the "base" the car was equipped with headlights, a horn and a spare wheel. The same elements for cars of other brands were available only as an option. The Andre factory produced 100 copies of the model daily. Citroen was the first among European manufacturers to start mass-producing cars and make this vehicle not a luxury item, but a means of transportation. At the same time, the businessman, in secret from everyone, is studying at his plant the design of such famous American cars as Studebaker, Buick and Nash, as well as various options for serial production of cars. In just 4 years, the production of model "A" has increased to 300 units daily. At the same time, the company presents a fairly simple four-cylinder subcompact 5CV. This reliable "people's" car, adapted to rural roads, had no front brakes, but had elliptical leaf springs front and rear. A few years later, more advanced models appear, such as B12 and B14.
Citroen's ingenious publicity stunts
Once, having learned about some English pilot of an airplane, who could write various words in the sky with the help of turns leaving a white trail, Andre immediately had a brilliant idea. And then one day, letters four hundred meters in size appeared on a heavenly background, forming a five-kilometer-long inscription "Citroën". Although five minutes later there was no trace of the inscription, on which an incredible amount was spent, but it fulfilled its task, only the lazy did not talk about the Citroën brand.
Andre's most creative idea can be called the idea of \u200b\u200b"The Eiffel Tower" on fire. Thanks to the 125,000 light bulbs installed on the tower, all Parisians and visitors to the city could enjoy an incredible spectacle when the lights formed ten images that appeared alternately, among which was, of course, the name "Citroën".
Difficult period in the history of the brand
The financial crisis that broke out in the early 30s did not bypass Andre's "brainchild". Nevertheless, despite the difficulties, the company manages to produce such famous cars as the Citroën C4 and C6 during this period. The C6 model was equipped with a 6-cylinder engine and could accelerate to almost 100 km / h. In 1933, in less than six months, the entrepreneur rebuilds his factories located on the Javel embankment, and as a result, an automobile giant with an area of \u200b\u200b55 thousand m² appears on this site with a continuous production line producing a thousand copies of brand cars daily.
The weak point in Citroen's activities was that his ideas were always ahead of his financial possibilities, and therefore he was always heavily in debt. This backfired on him in 1934, when lenders stopped giving him new loans, and reduced demand for cars prevented him from getting out of the situation with his own funds. After a series of unsuccessful attempts to find other investors, the entrepreneur had to declare himself bankrupt. Most of the company's shares in the amount of 60 percent went to the Michelin concern. Shortly thereafter, the company begins to produce a truly revolutionary car at that time called the 7CV Traction Avant, which has a monocoque body, a front-wheel drive system and an independent torsion bar suspension.
But Andre was not destined to see the success of this car with his own eyes; in the early spring of 1935, Citroen died. The official reason for his departure was stomach cancer, but the financial difficulties that hit him, as well as the death of his daughter, played an important role in his imminent death.
Company after the death of its founder
Released in 1934, a novelty with an innovative design for a long time was at the top of technical progress, thanks to which its production continued for another 12 years. Thanks to the 7CV Traction Avant, the brand managed to recover relatively quickly after the end of the crisis. But before this period of recovery, the company experienced many difficulties: the dismissal of 8 thousand workers, the closure of the Italian assembly plant, etc.
During the war, the company worked mainly for the needs of the army, but also produced in small quantities the 7CV Traction Avant already on the assembly line. By the beginning of 1946, the automaker produced 9.32 thousand copies of the model, and a year later this number increased to 24.44 thousand units. Citroën was gradually reborn. The management still continues to maintain the established tradition of experimentation. The result of this desire was the rebuilt plant in Levallois, where separate work areas are created for the assembly of motors. A little later, the same company began to produce another legendary Traction Avant 2CV model. The people nicknamed this long-liver "Duck tail". Although the appearance of the model was not particularly attractive, and the engine was not particularly powerful, the car had another very important advantage - low cost. The model, without any significant changes in the design, rolled off the assembly line for 42 years.
In 1955, Citroën once again surprises the automotive world with the DS19 at the Paris Motor Show. Nicknamed the "Goddess", the novelty with perfect aerodynamics made a splash not only with its futuristic appearance, but also with a number of technological innovations used to create it. The car was distinguished by a long flat hood gradually descending to the front bumper and a streamlined rear with closed rear wheels. To create parts, the developers used plastic and aluminum alloys, and also equipped the model with disc brakes, power steering and, most importantly, hydropneumatic suspension, which not only increased ground clearance, but also provided better handling and comfort. The DS19 was driven by a 4-cylinder 75-horsepower engine, which accelerated the model to 150 km / h.
A year later, the company produces the 1019 model, the cost of which was lower than that of the DS19, and in 1958, the ID19 station wagon created on the basis of the DS19 chassis, equipped with air conditioning and a cordless telephone, was released.
In the period of the sixties, the company continues to develop actively, concludes contracts, opens production facilities in other countries and launches the production of new models. So, for example, the Ami6 model is produced during this period.
In the seventies, the company again found itself in a difficult situation. Extravagance, which the brand was so famous for, ceased to bring a lot of income. And by the middle of the decade, due to the outbreak of the oil crisis, the original, but distinguished by high fuel consumption, Citroën cars were no longer sold. In order to prevent bankruptcy, the company in 1974 decided on an alliance with Peugeot. Although this merger helped save Citroën, the company completely lost its identity. The first “brainchild” of the union of the two companies was the Visa model, which was based on the Citroën 104 model. Under the hood of the novelty was a 0.65-liter 2-cylinder engine supplemented with an air cooling system. Citroën has also launched a Visa variant to cater to the interests of its companion, equipped with a more powerful 1.1-liter 4-cylinder unit created by Peugeot.
In the 1980s, the company's famous logo changed from blue and yellow to white and red. During this period, Citroën is actively engaged in the improvement of production, investing huge finances in the development of the concern. The investment pays off. In 1982, a new mid-size BX model was released, on which the XUD diesel engine was installed for the first time. In 1983, all management at the company's factories was computerized. Three years later, the concern begins to produce cars of a small class AX. And in 1989, the automotive world welcomes the XM model, which is distinguished by its elegant exterior and excellent driving performance.
By the beginning of the nineties, the fashion for original cars was reappearing and Citroën, as one of the founders of extravagant and original design, did not miss the opportunity to prove itself. This is how the ZX model appeared, with which the company officially returned to motorsport. In this decade, Citroën launches models such as the Xantia, Saxo, Xsara, Evasion, as well as the Xsara Picasso.
In 1997, Jean-Martin Folz took over as CEO of the group and decided to make the two brands represented by the group as different from each other as possible. This decision was decisive for Citroën and marked the beginning of the rebirth of the legendary brand.
Citroën in the new century
The new millennium begins with a triumph for Citroën, with the successful debut of the C5 at the Paris Motor Show. The novelty was offered in the station wagon and hatchback, and was also equipped with the innovative Hydractive III hydraulic suspension, capable of operating in two modes (Sport and Comfort). The engine range of the model included a 210-horsepower V6 gasoline unit with a volume of 3 liters and a 2.2-liter diesel engine that develops a power of 136 “horses”. It was with the release of this car that the concern returned to the alphanumeric designation of models.
The warranty period is extended to 2 years. In addition, for the first time within the PSA concern, a new SensoDrive robotic transmission is being released. The innovation was applied to the C3 model, equipped with a 1.6-liter 16V engine.
In 2006, the C4 Picasso line appears, the first-born of which, the seven-seater C4 Picasso model, which has an original appearance and a roomy trunk, will debut at the Paris auto show. Later, on the basis of this model, the Peugeot 307 is created, as well as a five-seater variation of the C4 Picasso. In 2007, for the first time, a crossover appears in the Citroën model range. The novelty, called the C-Crosser, is equipped with a 2.2-liter turbodiesel engine that delivers 156 horsepower. The crossover is also offered with a 170-horsepower 2.4-liter gasoline engine. The company also began to actively form the DS line, which includes premium cars.
Our "Citroen-C4 Sedan" completed the "60 hours" marathon, showing itself very well ( ZR, 2013, No. 8 ). Now we decided to compare it with its analogue - a hatchback, released in France. This version is now sold with a 120 hp gasoline engine. or with a 110-horsepower diesel engine (616,900–899,000 rubles). The sedan is also offered with 115 or 150 hp petrol units. (579,000–853,000 rubles). Our sedan is just 150-horsepower.
The possibilities of engines and gearboxes (with a 120-horsepower engine there is a 4-speed "automatic", with a 150-horsepower - 6-speed) in this case were of last interest to us. Now we will study something else - the design differences of related cars and, of course, the build quality.
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1. For some reason, our copy does not have a front hood seal
Forgot? Or not provided? But the Russian car has soundproofing on the lid of the engine compartment.
2. Salons
Differences in salons are mainly due to trim levels (for a sedan - richer). Materials, workmanship and fit of parts, even the most picky of our experts rated equally high.
3. The location of the seat heating wheels under the climate unit on a Russian car is more convenient than the traditional French one - on an armchair
4. French seats have more fashionable and comfortable headrests. But the rear sofa of the sedan is noticeably more spacious. The base is 100 mm longer
5. The trunk of a sedan also wins. According to factory data, it has 440 liters, in a hatchback with an unfolded sofa - 360 liters. According to our measurements, 404 and 364 liters, respectively.
6. Different markings of the springs are due to the characteristics of the suspension
In cars with a 150-horsepower engine, they are stiffer than in 120-horsepower ones. Thicker by 0.5 mm and front stabilizer. But on the go, the difference in the behavior of cars is minimal. The ground clearance of both cars is excellent and, according to our measurements, the same: under steel protection 160 mm.
7. One of the few flaws in the Russian car is an incorrectly routed wiring harness near the expansion tank of the cooling system. Not a crime, but a mess.
There are advantages and disadvantages in the designs and configurations of both cars. But the workmanship of parts and assembly is almost identical. Serious shortcomings were not found even by the most meticulous experts. Well, we, of course, will regularly talk about the features of the operation of the Kaluga sedan.
To make a rational choice, it is worth familiarizing yourself with the many nuances in the automotive industry, deciding on the price category of the desired vehicle, making sure of its reliability by studying the pedigree of the car. This article will focus on cars under the Citroen brand, since many are interested in the country of the vehicle manufacturer, which, according to consumers, determines the quality indicators of the model. Many are aware that Citroen has a lot of factories almost all over the world, including in Russia. This nuance makes car owners figure out whose country the manufacturer is and where directly, interesting to the buyer as a purchase. Let's try to answer in the article the most popular questions of potential buyers and car owners interested in this topic.
Location of factories for the production of Citroen cars.Positions in the sales market and popularity of the Citroen brand
Citroen cars occupy worthy positions in the Russian market, although they are not the favorites in sales. The fact is that the company, which has French roots and almost a century of existence, differs from many automakers in the absence of an assertive focus on gaining global recognition and leadership positions. This tactic of the concern allows it to engage in more global and promising tasks aimed at expanding its activities, improving and modernizing technologies. The manufacturer adheres to, despite the wide location spread of factories, certain principles and standards that allow it to retain its audience of buyers and admirers, gradually updating and modernizing the lineup of cars, developing and releasing competitive products to European open spaces. The fundamental principles of the company, without which the manufacturer could not compete in the market for a century, are the following features of the activity:
- Maintaining high quality technologies for the manufacture and design of vehicles, regardless of the location of the plant.
- Mandatory control of each of the released cars under the Citroen brand, through an automated scheme established over a long period of work, which leads to high-quality features and technological guarantees for vehicles, regardless of the criterion where it was assembled.
- The most important, significant for the functioning of the car components and assemblies are produced directly by the French plant, which determines the increased control of the quality features of Citroen products.
- Work on the manufacture of transport products by highly qualified engineers, as well as their informational cooperation with leading companies in the automotive industry, guarantees that Citroen brand products meet world standards.
This information allows potential buyers to cast aside doubts about the possibility of purchasing low-quality goods, as the manufacturer guarantees durability, reliability, compliance with international standards for all products bearing the Citroen brand, regardless of the criterion whose assembly of a particular instance.
Location of branches and pedigree of popular models from Citroen
The total number of factories where Citroen vehicles are currently assembled, whose production was previously established only in France, totals several dozen. The main ones are localized in African and Latin American countries, Europe, China and the Russian Federation. As for the most popular models supplied to the European automotive markets, the C4 Aircross model, assembled exclusively in French factories, received the greatest respect and recognition. The production of this model is planned in the near future directly at the plant in Kaluga, however, this project is still only in a promising concept. If everything is very clear with the territorial origin of the Aircross model, then regarding the C4 series, the answer to the question of which country is the manufacturer of a particular car is not so unambiguous.
Cars from the Citroen C4 lineup, produced before 2012, have 100% French roots, however, cars of later manufacture could also be assembled at other concern plants. Since 2013, their manufacture has been taking place at the Kaluga plant: there are still disputes about the quality of assembly of these cars, however, experts say that the Citroen plant in Kaluga is equipped with a modified, modern technological base, therefore vehicles that left the assembly line in Russia , in quality they are absolutely not inferior to French copies. In 2018, since the beginning of the year in Russia, at the Citroen plant, the assembly of the Jumpy Multispace minibus has started, with increased interior space, which predetermines a great future for it. This model will be assembled exclusively in Russia. Citroen Berlingo is another model from the manufacturer, which is very popular among consumers. The car is assembled at factories in Spain, Turkey and Belarus, and its working potential and promising opportunities allow it to compete in the market with vehicles of this category from leading automakers.
The Citroen C-Elysse sedan, which is actively offered in the automotive markets of the Russian Federation, is distinguished by excellent build quality, excellent design and simple modification engines. The model has proven itself well from the standpoint of adaptability to Russian climatic and operational features, which provokes the car's popularity and demand among domestic consumers. The primary quality of this model is its price, which does not exceed five hundred thousand rubles in the basic version, which positions the C-Elysse as an affordable vehicle for budget category consumers. in Spain, at a plant in Vigo.
Perspective perspective of the company and objective forecasts of experts
The Citroen concern is far from prosperous at the present time, the financial problems of the automaker put it in the position of unrespectable objects for investment. This fact makes the leaders of the concern look for ways to solve financial problems based on personal capabilities. To increase the ability to stay in trend, the corporation is actively promoting its models based on C4, working towards expanding the sales market for its automotive products. At the same time, the company is actively promoting models based on the C5, which saves financial costs, with the possibility of expanding the model range. Despite such a precarious financial position of the corporation, certain positive aspects are also visible in its current functionality:
- The company promptly develops and puts into production new, improved cars of the budget class, with the priority opportunity to improve the financial condition through turnover.
- The organization, despite certain problems, competes with leading automakers at various exhibitions and presentations, which positions it on the positive side, increases consumer confidence.
- Active cooperation with leading manufacturers, the conclusion of lucrative contracts allows Citroen to provide low-cost and high-quality developments to the markets that are in demand among budget consumers.
- A competent approach to the design development of models allows Citroen cars to stay on top.
- Citroen is developing, trying to keep up with innovative requirements, offering the consumer modern vehicles that, with good luck, will help the concern survive financial difficulties and reach a higher position.
The concern has project plans that have a great future in the automotive industry, however, to translate them into reality, the corporation needs decent funding. At the present time, it is difficult for the company to cope with the exit from the financial crisis, although the positive trends of the automaker, the desire to develop, against the background of the lack of savings on the quality of goods, suggest that the company is able to cope with the problems and take a promising position in the automotive market.
Summing up
Citroen, despite the difficulties of the financial category, has prospects for development, thanks to the well-coordinated work of leading engineers, branches, and the production of extremely competitive products. The manufacturer claims that, regardless of the criteria, whose car is on the market, which branches were involved in its assembly, the quality parameters and technological attributes of the vehicles are 100% observed. Each car produced under the Citroen brand meets international quality standards, which determines its long period of operation if the car owner complies with the basic requirements of the manufacturer.
In 1919, Citroen was founded, one of the largest automobile companies in Europe. The brand's first model became one of the most popular cars of the 20th century. The compact Citroen A was equipped with a 1.3-liter power unit, the power of which was 18 horsepower. The combination of a light body, a powerful and reliable engine, as well as a low price model, ensured the great popularity of Citroen cars.
After the first success, the brand began to create several cars at once, the company's founder Andre Citroen was passionate about the idea of creating such a car that could become a platform for creating several models. At the same time, the production of Model A exceeded one hundred copies per day. However, in 1921, the Citroën 5 CV Trefle was introduced, which replaced the Model A in a timely manner, as its sales rate gradually fell.
In parallel with this, it was Andre Citroen who became the first in the world to apply PR solutions in the automotive sector, which led to the brand gaining popularity far beyond France. By the end of the 20s, Citroen had representation in all major European countries.
In 1929, two models were presented at once - B12 and B14, which won the title of the most comfortable cars of their time. This was confirmed by sales of Citroen cars, which sold 135 thousand in just two years of production. And in 1931, the next Citroen Grand Lux model was introduced, which became the company's first premium car. The car was equipped with a 2.7-liter power unit, revolutionary for the European market, with a capacity of 53 horsepower. By 1933, Citroën, under André's leadership, had become the largest car manufacturer on the continent, surpassing Italy's FIAT and bringing car production to 1,100 cars a day.
However, already in 1934, the demand for Citroen cars suddenly fell, which by that time had invested all its assets in the creation of new factories and technology centers, so the company was on the verge of bankruptcy. One of the reasons for such a rapid collapse was the global economic crisis. 2 months after the start of the bankruptcy proceedings, 60% of the shares were bought out by the Michelin automobile rubber manufacturer.
A few months later, the founder of the company Andre Citroen passes away. Nevertheless, the heirs of the automotive legend tried to rectify the situation, which took them two decades. In 1955, the Citroen DS model was introduced, which became very popular in the automotive market in France and Italy. The company was able to make a profit for the first time, something that had not happened for more than twenty years. However, the period from 1955 to 1969 did not become successful for Citroen. In 1976, the Citroen brand became part of Peugeot, the largest automaker in France at that time.
In the first half of the 90s of the twentieth century, the Citroen brand produces such models as Santia, Saxo and Berlingo, gradually returning to its former greatness. In addition, active preparations have begun for participation in several racing series. At the same time, several models of different classes are born at once. The first of these was the Citroen C4 model, which belongs to the compact class C according to the European classification, followed by the C3 - B class, and C5 - D class.
In 2004, just two years after entering the World Rally Championship, French driver Sébastien Loeb, driving a Citroen Casara, becomes the winner of the general classification. This was followed by his victories in the C4, C3 and DS3 cars, bringing the total number of victories to 9. Thus, taking part in 12 seasons of the championship, a record was set for the number of victories in the history of the WRC.
The model range of the company, against the backdrop of success in automobile competitions, was replenished with sports versions of famous models, and in 2007, the first Citroen crossover, built on the Mitsubishi Outlander platform, was introduced. In 2011, another compact crossover model was introduced, which became one of the most popular cars in the French market in 2012.
The new direction of the company was the creation of a unique design. Due to the fact that all technological developments were carried out jointly with Peugeot, they did not require huge investments.
In 2013, the Citroen C4 Picasso (five-seater version) was released, which soon, already in 2014, found its “big brother” Citroen Grand C4 Picasso with increased capacity (seven seats). The upgraded version was a real leap forward and gave all subsequent models a completely new sophisticated design. The car is designed on the EMP2 platform, thanks to which the drivers of the novelty have reduced the amount of harmful emissions into the atmosphere. This model was distinguished not only by its perfect appearance, but also by the introduction of a huge number of modern technologies. For example, a convenient touch display that allows you to control all on-board systems.
It is worth noting that the versions of 2013 and 2014 were able to collect more than 65 thousand orders. Cars began to be in great demand in large families.
The first "logo", as it is now called, with a "double chevron" appeared on the automotive market in 1913, when the workshop of Andre Citroen and his friends began to supply gearboxes to some car manufacturers.
Shortly before the outbreak of the First World War, Citroën purchased a piece of land on the Quai Javel, southwest of the center of Paris. There he built the most modern ammunition factory by the standards of that time, equipped with the best industrial equipment. During the First World War, this plant produced up to 55,000 shells and cartridges per day. Serious and very profitable business, but only in wartime. However, the production of ammunition turned out to be not only a way to earn good money - the technology of mass production of cars was honed on this "material".
In 1912, Citroen, as they say, visited the United States for general development, where in Detroit he was smitten by the Ford plant, which produced 150,000 copies of the now legendary Model T that year - 71 (!) Times more than Renault, the leader in France. Until 1917, about ten cars from various manufacturers were tested on the route between Roanne and the Quai de Javel under normal traffic conditions.
Secretly from everyone, Andre Citroen tested and dismantled such famous American cars as Buick, Nash, Studebaker at his plant, while studying the possibility of mass production, which soon began. In fact, the first CITROEN became at the same time the first mass-produced car in Europe.
Unbelievable, but true: already in the early 1920s, 300 CITROENs were leaving the assembly line of the enterprise on the Javel embankment every day - in those years, the number was unimaginable for Europe. And although Mr. Citroen expressed his desire to start producing cars after returning from America, when his factories were still producing ammunition, and he began preparations for the production of cars, the founding date of the company Citroen Joint Stock Company (Societe anonyme Andre Citroen) is considered to be 1919 , at the end of which the Quai de Javel plant was already producing up to 30 cars a day. Mr. Citroën set as his goal the mass production of inexpensive cars and for this, for the first time in Europe, he applied the "line" (conveyor) method of Henry Ford.
1921 - Citroen creates a special warehouse of spare parts for car owners.
1922 - Clement Bayard's rented factory in Levallois, near Paris, begins production of cars. The production of spare parts, accessories, etc. is also being established there.
citroen_5 cv1923 - The plant in Saint-Charles (Saint-Charles) - 15th district of Paris comes into operation. He starts making gearboxes for the 5CV. At the main plant, on the Javel embankment, the first assembly line is installed, which allows the production of 100 cars per day. The first subsidiary of Citroen Cars Ltd. is registered in London.
1924 - Production begins at the Saint-Ouen factories - model B12 and Epinettes - springs. André Citroën begins to develop an international network for the sale of his cars and creates subsidiaries in Brussels, Amsterdam, Milan, Geneva, Copenhagen, etc. 300 cars are assembled per day.
1925 - Citroen continues to organize a dealer network and begins serious promotions, the first among automobile manufacturers. From this year until 1934, the illumination with his name will burn on the citroen_b_12 Eiffel Tower, the creation of which took 250,000 lamps and 60 kilometers of wires. The total number of dealers reaches 5000 this year! Citroen became the first company in Europe, which already in the 20s had its own dealer network. 1926 - Citroen adopts the Taylor method, whereby each plant will specialize in a particular product. A factory in Grenelle, 15th arrondissement of Paris, begins operations. Citroen publishes for the first time its "standard" dealer service and repair manuals, as well as instructions and lists for replacement parts. parts. At the same time, the first assembly plant in Belgium begins work, the second - in England, and a little later in Germany and Italy.
1927 - Another plant - in Gutenberg (Gutenberg), Paris, created for the production of engines and gearboxes.
1930 - Clichy factory built. Another subsidiary of Norks Citroen A/S is registered in Oslo, Norway.
1931 - The Citroen Transport Joint Stock Company (Societe anonyme des Transports Citroen) is established.
citroen_traction_avant1933 - The global economic crisis has seriously affected the automotive industry in France, but Andre Citroen remains true to his principles. The plan is to produce 1,000 cars a day and launch a completely new front-wheel drive car ("traction avant"), created by Andre Lefebvre and his group.
1934 - The disproportionately large financial costs of the creation and production of the Traction Avant for the period of the Great Depression led Citroen to lose confidence among credit companies and the loss of working capital. The first financial shock hits CITROEN in February 1934. Thanks to the intervention of the Bank of France, commercial banks provide the company with a loan of 10 million francs, but the debt is growing. Between April and September, the company has to pay back 830 million francs to creditors on its old debts. Claims from creditors are starting to come to the courts, and their number is growing like a snowball.
The situation is becoming critical. Under these conditions, in order to prevent bankruptcy, the French government turned to the Michelin company (Michelin) - the main creditor - with a proposal to take the company under its financial control.
From that moment on, Andre Citroen retired and retired to his house. The upheavals of recent years had a strong effect on him and he fell seriously ill.
1935 - In January 1935, Citroen is asked, or rather, forced to transfer a controlling stake in the company and finally removed from business. On January 31, he resigns as president and sole manager of the Andre Citroen Automotive Joint Stock Company. Power at the enterprise passes to a committee consisting of three managers: Pierre Michelin, Paul Franzen and the representative of the suppliers of the metallurgical industry, Etienne de Castel.
Citroen retired to his house, he was no longer seen at the factory - he did not want to play second roles where he had always been the first. In March 1935, Citroen was taken to the hospital with an aggravated ulcer, where he died on July 3 of that year.
And the company named after him was forced to close an assembly plant in Italy due to new customs duties. In the period from 1919 to 1934, Citroen achieved a leading position in the production of automobiles. He was the first in Europe to publish instructions for car repair. This firm was born the idea of providing customers with a one-year warranty and free maintenance during this time, as well as selling cars on credit. Citroen has improved the method of studying sales markets and organized refresher courses for sellers of their cars.
At the same time, care was taken for the image of the brand, which was already flaunted on 185,000 cars. From 1924 to 1934, CITROEN advertisements shone on the Eiffel Tower. Citroen owns the invention of "industrial tourism": he opened the doors of his factories to the public and organized tours of the workshops. Also, a system for the rapid delivery of workers to the plant by buses was created, an automobile insurance company was founded, branches were opened in Belgium, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, Germany, Great Britain, Sweden and Poland. The last and, perhaps, the main thing that the company is famous for is a series of revolutions that CITROEN made in the world of cars in the 20th century, releasing almost every one of its models. In 1934, CITROEN introduced a fundamentally new model "7cv", now known throughout the world as TA, or Traction Avant (literally in Russian - "Front Drive"). Thus began the era of front-wheel drive cars.
In fact, until 1940, nothing special happened in the company. And this year, a factory on the Javel embankment was bombed and a factory in Belgium was partially destroyed. But still, even during the war, the production of cars did not stop.
In 1947, the restoration of factories after the war was completed and subsidiaries were created in Argentina (Buenos Aires) and Sweden (Stockholm).
Citroen 2cv in 1948 - The Asnieres factory near Paris, purchased from Automobiles Laffly, starts operating. The Levallois plant is completely switching to 2CV production.
1952 - 2CV and H van are assembled in Belgium. A trading company, Citroen Cars Corporation, was established in the United States and another in Morocco.
1953 - A new plant in Rennes-la Barre Thomas, in the province of Brittany, goes into operation. Citroën begins to "decentralize" production. An agreement was signed with Panhard on the partial merger of the distribution network.
1954 - The Asnieres factory starts producing hydraulic systems, primarily for the DS, and from that time on became the main supplier of these systems for all Citroen cars.
1956 - DS assembly begins in Belgium citroen DS
1957 - In Cambodia, start production of vans based on 2CV. Citroen and SCEMM, created in 1950 with the participation of Citroen, sign an agreement on a plant in Mulhouse. Installed the first computer in the company's spare parts department.
1958 - Citroen - Spain opens a plant in Port-au-Vigo and starts producing 2CV. On October 9, the Javel Embankment was officially renamed the André Citroën Embankment.
1959 - Agreements signed with South African companies Atlanta Industries (Pty) Ltd and Stanley Motors Ltd to assemble the DS.
1960 - As part of an intergovernmental agreement between Yugoslavia and France, Citroen signs a contract for the production of 2CV with Tomos. 2CV and Ami assembly begins in Argentina.
citroen AMI 1961 - The plant in Rennes-la Janais, Brittany, begins production of the Ami 6, and in Nonterre (near Paris), at the plant formerly owned by Simca, body parts begin to be manufactured.
1962 Trading companies established in Canada and Austria.
1963 - Caen plant purchased. An agreement was signed with Sedica (Madagascar) on the assembly of 2CV and 3CV. A subsidiary was established in Chile to sell and assemble the 2CV. Type H is beginning to be assembled in Holland.
1964 - In Portugal, the Mangualde plant begins to produce 2CV. An agreement was signed with the German company NSU Motorenwerke on the creation of a rotary piston engine and its production at a joint venture Comobil (Geneva). In Yugoslavia, the Cimos plant (mainly Dayne) starts work.
1967 - Citroen signs an agreement with Berliet. A subsidiary company "Komotor" (Comotor) is created in Luxembourg for the production of rotary piston engines (Wankel engine). One of them will be installed on the M35 prototype in 1969.
1968 - The Citroën Group begins reorganization. The created holding Citroen SA now controls the activities of Citroen, Berliet and Panhard. The holding structure contains more than 20 subsidiaries, including Societe anonyme Automobiles Citroen - production and Societe Commerciale Citroen - sales. Citroen signs a technical and commercial cooperation agreement with Maserati. Agreements are signed between Total (Total) on technical cooperation and with Fiat (Fiat) on the creation of a holding company (PARDEVI), where 49% belongs to Fiat and 51% to Michelin.
1969 - The Metz-Borny plant begins operations, replacing the Saint-Charles plant. Maserati is developing a 6-cylinder engine for the future prestigious Citroen car. The plant in Iran starts assembling a number of models. As part of an agreement with Fiat, Autobianchi products are being sold through the Citroen commercial network, and vice versa in Italy. An international car rental network, Citer, is being created.
1971 - Citroën signs agreements with Inda SA (Paraguay), Quinatar SA (Uruguay) and Aveles Alfaro (Ecuador) to assemble 2CVs and 3CVs. In Steins, he begins to work as a subsidiary of SOGAMM (Societe d "Outillage General Applique aux Moules et Modeles), a former department located at the plant in Clichy. He is entrusted with the task of creating prototypes, components, quality standards, etc. .d.
citroen GS 1972 - In Yugoslavia, Citroen and Tomos sign a production agreement at the Simos plant for the production of 2CV, Dyane, Ami 8, GS and components. A subsidiary is established in Johannesburg. An agreement is signed with STIA for the assembly of 2CV and 3CV. With the Globus Import-Export Company from Iceland for the supply of various models.
1973 - The plant in Aulnay-sous-Bois comes into operation (instead of the plant on the Javel Quay). At that time one of the most modern in terms of equipment. Fiat pulls out of the joint venture and returns its 49% of Michelin, but continues to partner with Citroen in some endeavors.
So the year 1974 came. Probably one of the most significant. Michelin and Peugeot have decided to merge the companies Automobiles Citroen and Automobiles Peugeot. The purpose of this agreement was to create a group that would be competitive in the international market. Berliet withdrew from the Citroen group of companies and entered into an agreement with Saviem, one of the Renault companies. After the production of DS was discontinued, the plant on the Javel embankment, which had been operating since 1919, was closed. 1976 - The Peugeot Group acquired an 89.95% stake in Citroen and created the PSA holding company, which included Citroen SA and Peugeot SA. Citroen entered as an independent branch that retained its brand of passenger cars. In the same year, an agreement was signed on the production of Citroen cars in Romania, with the aim of selling them in Eastern Europe.
1978 - In Spain, the plant in Orence began operation. SMAE (Societe Mecanique Automobile de I "Est) is created in France as a subsidiary of Citroen and Peugeot. A computerized spare parts center is opened to support the Citroen service network. Visa begins to be collected in Belgium. And finally, Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen sign an agreement to develop a new light van.
1979 - Started the Tremery plant for the production of gasoline and diesel engines. It was created on the basis of new principles of organization of production and management. A new computer center for design and production has been launched at the St. Ouen plant. Agreements have been signed in Senegal, Guinea-Bissau, and the Central African Republic.
1980 - Plants in Meudon near Paris and SMAN (Societe Mecanique Automobile du Nord) in Valenciennes begin operations. Factory in Belgium closes.
1982 - For 68 years, the company's head office was located on the Quai Javel, but this year it moves to a new location in the town of Neuilly-sur-Seine (Neuilly-sur-Seine) near Paris.
1984 - In Romania, the Oltcit plant begins operation, which was built on the basis of the Franco-Romanian agreement of 1976.
1985 - Citroen changes colors. Now instead of the blue-yellow scale, white and red are used. In December, the plants in Clichy and Nantre stop working.
1986 - After 6 years of financial losses, the prerequisites for "recovery" appear. Citroen introduces Plan Mercure, which aims to drastically increase the quality of production throughout the value chain. The principle of "complete customer satisfaction" is put at the forefront.
1987 - Citroen acquires the Cray XMP/14 supercomputer. A 5-year warranty against perforation corrosion has been declared. At the Tremery plant, assembly of the XU2 gasoline engine has begun on new lines. These lines made it possible to produce 70 different types of engines, including 16 valves. citroen_zx
1989 - Citroën "rebuilds" its Rennes-La Janais plant for final XM assembly. Investments in development amounted to 7.5 billion francs, including 1.2 billion for development and research. Created together with Mazda (Mazda) dealer network begins to sell cars in Japan Citroen.
1990 - Citroën officially returns to motorsport in July with the ZX Rally Raid. In December, a contract was signed with the Chinese corporation SAW. ZX enters the Chinese market.
1991 - The ZX makes its official debut at the Geneva Motor Show. Citroen announces several programs aimed at improving the quality of work and skills of its employees. Another Cray starts working in the Citroen office. On October 14, Jacques Calvet presents the Citela electric car that REALLY works.
1992 - At the beginning of the year, a new press station is put into operation at the site in Aulnay (6.420 sq.m. 2 pcs. -400 tons and 1400 tons). Basically, body parts for the ZX are made there. In July, the Citroen Institute was opened to improve the skills of the company's employees.
citroen_envasion1994 - The implementation of the Antares project has begun, designed to bring Citroen factories into the top three in their categories in the world. Representative offices in Poland and Hungary are opened in February. In the same month, Xantia wins the 23rd international prize. Evasion appears - a product of cooperation between Fiat, Peugeot and Citroen.
1995 - In January, another project is presented - Magelan. The goal is to sell 100,000 cars outside of Europe in 1997 and 200,000 in 2000. In April, SAME launches the ML gearbox, replacing the ME. At the same time, a new 16-valve 1.7-liter gasoline engine and a compact diesel engine for the Xantia were introduced. The dealer network has 900 points of sale in 77 countries of the world. In September, an agreement is signed on the release of AX with the Malaysian company Proton under their brand name.
citroen SAXO 1996-1997 - The production of cars is increasing. The emergence of SAXO and Xsara. In Poland, SAXO went on sale in November and sold 900 units in one month. Citroen opens its WWW - server. Another agreement is signed with Proton. In December 1997, a license agreement was signed to release Xsara at the Susa plant (Uruguay).
1998 onwards - In January, a new slogan is introduced - "two brands, one group", which, in the opinion of management, more accurately describes the changes in PSA. At the same time, an agreement was signed on the establishment of an assembly plant in Porto Real (Porto Real) in Brazil, designed to strengthen the position of companies in the market of Central and South America. Together with Microsoft and Clarion, Xsara Auto PC was created. The President of Uruguay opened a new line at the assembly plant, where Xsara production began. In Poland, the production of C15 began at the Nysa plant. Berlingo is made in Argentina.
1999 - The millionth Xantia rolled off the production line in Rennes, and the Olney factory produced the millionth Saxo. Historical record - for the first time sold more than 1 million Citroen cars. The HDi engine goes into series on the Xsara. Launch of the joint development of PSA Peugeot Citroen, Renault and Siemens - adaptive automatic transmission (first installed on Xsara 1.6). The long-awaited premiere was marked by Citroen in the luxury segment, C6 Lignage, a prototype of the future flagship, was presented in Geneva. The Pluriel debuted in Frankfurt, the name of this model can be translated as “multiple”, indeed this concept car is one in many faces, it can be a pickup, spider, hatchback and even a convertible. In December 1999, Xsara Picasso was launched on the market with a unique advertising campaign based on the work of the great Picasso (the video "Robot" was highly appreciated by European viewers and experts). Representation of Citroen opens in Russia.
2000 - from February Jumper and Berlingo are equipped with HDi engines. The second generation Xsara is launched into the series, with new 1.6 110 hp engines. and 2.0 137 hp The face of the advertising company was supermodel Claudia Schiffer. Another Citroen record - sales growth amounted to 13.4%. At the Paris Motor Show presented C5, a new model, a new alphanumeric index. The all-new Hydractive 3+ suspension system, a wide range of engines, a spacious and comfortable interior, and a wide range of options led to the advertising campaign being called “100% Useful Technologies”. For the first time for Citroen, this car was equipped with a Tiptronic automatic transmission with manual shifting. A Modutop roof is available for the Berlingo, with additional overhead compartments, a fan and five glass windows. The Osmose Concept is presented, a real city car with sliding doors, compact and agile.
citroen XANTIA 2001 - growth continues, Citroen increases sales for the fifth year in a row. 139.000 C5 sold, sales growth of Xsara Picasso was 56%. Olney-sous-Bois has opened the Conservatoire, a 6,700 m3 museum that houses 300 historic Citroen models and concept cars. Xsara WRC debuts on world rally tracks (participation in 4 races), Sebastian Loeb becomes its pilot for the first time. New Citroen presented in Geneva: C5 station wagon, two new engines for the C5: HPi petrol engine (direct injection, 2.0 liters 143 hp), 2.2 HDi engine (138 hp, diesel particulate filter) , as well as an interesting option for the Xsara Picasso - a panoramic glass roof. C3, beauty and hope of the brand, is presented at the Frankfurt Motor Show. On a new platform, with a phenomenal range of options, a high roof and a spacious trunk, the C3 has become the company's new bestseller. At the same salon, the C-Crosser, a new word in the creation of cars, was presented. All-wheel drive, with all wheels steer, it did not have the traditional pedals and steering column. The control was carried out by a special steering wheel, which was connected to the engine, brakes and wheels only by wire. This allows you to abandon the cumbersome controls in the cabin (unsafe in a crash) and make control easier.
2002 - sales growth was 6.3%. The warranty period for all Citroen cars is now 24 months (there is also a program that allows you to double this period). Sales of the new Jumper and Citroen C3 began (185,000 cars were sold during the year instead of the planned 150,000, C3 received many awards). For the first time within the PSA concern, a new automated gearbox appears - SensoDrive. Combining the advantages of manual transmission and automatic transmission, she found her place under the hood of the C3 with a 1.6 16V engine. At the end of the year, the new Berlingo is presented, the main focus of its development was on safety and the study of the exterior / interior. The C3 Pluriel makes its debut, captivating the public with its versatility and winning the Convertible of the Year award. The C8 appears on the market, the successor to the Evasion minivan, also created in cooperation with Fiat and Peugeot. At an exhibition in Paris, the C-Airdream concept is presented, representing the design developments of Citroen, which was also interesting with a fixed steering wheel hub.
2004 - three major events for Citroen:
Double in the World Rally Championship (Constructors' Cup and Sebastian Loeb's first place in the individual standings);
-launch in the C5-II series;
-appearance in the sale of C4.
Both rookies received excellent press and the best scores from EuroNCAP (the C5 had the best result of any car tested). C2, C3, C3 Pluriel sold around the world with a circulation of 518,000 cars (of which 150,000 C2 and 336,000 C3). The C-Airlounge, a prototype of future Citroen models, is presented in Geneva. In March, the C3 XTR, a recreational vehicle, went on sale. The extraordinary popularity in 2004 of the Xsara Picasso was provided by the new 1.6 HDi 110 hp turbodiesel engine, by the end of the year, the total sales of the Xsara Picasso reached 1 million cars (of which 220,000 were sold in 2004). The longevity record was set by the Citroen C15 commercial model, which has been produced since 1984. By the end of the year, Xsara's combined sales reached 1.5 million vehicles.
2005 - the widest model in the history of Citroen, from the mini C1 to the flagship C6. Both of these cars were presented at the Geneva Motor Show to great public response. C1 is of interest to urban residents, for whom compact size, economy and operating costs are in the first place. In addition, the level of safety (4 stars from EuroNCAP) and high consumer properties put this car on a new level in the supermini class. C6 won the sympathy of Europeans back in 1999, when the concept car C6 Lignage was introduced, which went into the series with minor changes. C6 is interesting primarily for its technology and excellent level of safety (including a record 4 stars from EuroNCAP for pedestrian protection). The C6 embodied a new design of hydropneumatic suspension from Citroen - "flying carpet". Even more functional, it allows you to raise passenger comfort to an unprecedented level. Sales record: more than 1 million 395 thousand cars sold worldwide. The European market share increased to 6.7%, in France Citroen won 14% of customers. Record year for Citroen in Germany, with a growth of 20.3%, sales amounted to 80,000 vehicles. For the third year in a row, Citroen wins the Constructors' Cup in the WRC, Sebastian Loeb wins a second championship title, and Dani Sordo wins the JWRC Junior World Rally Championship (JWRC) in a C2 Super 1600.
