Citroën

Founded in 1919 by André Citroën, the company became the first mass-production car manufacturer outside the United States. Citroën quickly established a reputation for engineering excellence and bold marketing, famously using the Eiffel Tower as a billboard for nearly a decade. In 1934, the company introduced the Traction Avant, the world's first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car with unibody construction, a revolutionary design that set the standard for modern automotive architecture but ultimately led to the company's bankruptcy and takeover by its largest creditor, Michelin. Following World War II, Citroën launched two of the most iconic vehicles in automotive history: the simple, rugged 2CV designed to mobilize rural France, and the futuristic DS in 1955. The DS was decades ahead of its time, featuring hydropneumatic self-leveling suspension and disc brakes, cementing the brand's image as a pioneer of avant-garde technology. Despite these successes, the company's ambitious engineering projects frequently led to financial instability, prompting a merger with Peugeot in 1976 to form the PSA Group. Throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries, Citroën shared platforms and engines with Peugeot to improve profitability while struggling to maintain its unique identity. In 2021, the PSA Group merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) to form Stellantis, placing Citroën alongside 13 other iconic brands. Today, Citroën is undergoing a brand revival focused on democratization and electrification, launching models like the ë-C3 to provide affordable electric mobility while maintaining its traditional focus on superior ride quality.