History__________________________________________________

Citroën is a French automobile manufacturer started in 1919 by André Citroën.

Originally a mass-market car maker with relatively straight-forward designs, Citroën shocked the world in 1934 with the innovative Traction Avant (front wheel drive) (1934-1956) and until the late 1980s had a reputation for approaching auto design in a unique way. Later significant models include the H Van (1947-1981, "HY"), 2CV (1948-1990, The "Ugly Duckling"), DS (1955-1975, "Goddess") and CX (1974-1989).

In 1928 Citroën introduced the first all-steel body in Europe. To produce these bodies Citroën acquired huge expensive machines from Chrysler. In the beginning the cars were successful, but soon the competitors (who still used wood-structure for their bodies) introduced aerodynamic body designs on their cars. Citroën had no way to redesign the body of his cars the cars were perceived as old-fashioned. Despite their style the Citroëns were sold in large quantities, but the low price was the main selling point and Citroën experienced heavy losses. That decided André Citroën to develop the Traction Avant, a car so innovative that the competition would have no response. The company would later merge with Peugeot.

Miscellaneous____________________________________________

An old-fashioned nickname for Citroën cars is Citron (lemon, in French).

The company's famous "double chevron" logo derives from André Citroën's early business in gear-cutting, the company pioneered mass production of double helically-cut gear teeth, which mesh together in a chevron.

The H van was a flexible vehicle. No other vehicle has seen as many uses. It was popular with Police Departments and merchants, alike. Hoses and ladders were added for Fire Departments. Swinging windows were added for street vendors and seats were added for buses.

Today, there are numerous Citroën clubs with enthusiasts who collect these cars, show them, or simply take them on camping holidays.

Links___________________________________________________

Links to Citroën clubs coming soon . . .