citroen

Citroën, officially Citroën S.A., is a French automobile manufacturer founded in 1919 by André Citroën. Headquartered in Saint-Ouen, near Paris, it operates as part of the Stellantis automotive group. The company is known for engineering innovations, distinctive styling, and a long history of mass-market cars. The double chevron emblem derives from André Citroën's background in the manufacture of helical gears and has become a recognizable symbol of the brand.

In its early decades Citroën helped popularize affordable automotive ownership and introduced a sequence of engineering advances. The Traction Avant, launched in 1934, was one of the first mass-produced cars with front-wheel drive and a unibody construction. After World War II, the 2CV became a widely produced, economical model. The 1955 DS introduced advanced suspension, aerodynamic styling, and high-speed stability, reinforcing Citroën's reputation for innovative engineering. The company faced financial difficulties in the 1930s and 1970s; Michelin acquired a controlling interest in the 1930s, and in 1976 Citroën merged with Peugeot to form the PSA Group, which later became part of Stellantis in 2021.

Today Citroën designs and manufactures a range of passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including compact models such as the C3 and C4 and their variants, as well as electric versions like the ë-C4. The brand markets globally, with production and assembly facilities across Europe and other regions. In the late 2000s, DS Automobiles was established as a premium sub-brand derived from Citroën, later evolving into a separate marque under Stellantis.