Citroën Cars

Citroën Cars is one of the biggest automobile manufacturers in France, and it is part of the PSA group. It was founded in 1919 by Andre-Gustave Citroen, and it was the first non-US car company to undergo mass production. The company originated the concept of a network of sales and service locations, a concept which survives today. Citroen rose from bankruptcy in the 70s to become the fourth-largest auto maker in the world.

Citroën earned its reputation for innovative engineering early on, a philosophy represented by its slogan, "Créative Technologie". The mass-production capabilities of Citroën developed in WWI, when Andre-Gustave built armaments for the French military. After the war, the company built the first all-steel car, and in 1934, Citroën cemented its innovative reputation with the Traction Avant. That car was the first mass-produced front-wheel-drive automobile, and the first with a monocoque suspension.

In the 50s, Citroën created the first self leveling suspension, and in 1955, the Citroën DS became the first European production model with disc brakes. In 1967, the company debuted the first cars with swiveling headlights, which allowed for better night vision on curvy roads.

The Citroën brand celebrated its 90th anniversary in 2009, and in February of that year it revamped its brand identity. The logo was redesigned, with a new font and a new slogan, and a TV ad campaign was debuted to announce Citroën's new look, which will be rolled out globally by 2014.

Citroën Sport, now called Citroën Racing, is the motor sport arm of the company. The division is a top competitor in the World Rally Championship. After a failed attempt with the BX 4TC in 1986, Citroën Racing came back with the Rally Raid to win that manufacturer's championship from 1993 to 1997. Citroën won the Paris-Dakar Rally in 1991, 1994, 1995, and 1996. In 2001, Citroën Sport began participating in the WRC, winning the manufacturer's championship i n2003, 2004, 2005, 2008, 2009, and 2010.

Citroën's flagship dealer is on Paris' Champs Elysees, where it shares the boulevard with Toyota, Peugeot, and Renault dealerships.