Written by Citroën cars
Citroën cars have been built in France since 1919, and the brand is famous for daring ideas such as the 2CV, the DS and its soft hydropneumatic suspension. This guide covers the current Citroën lineup, as well as the brand’s history and ownership, its biggest achievements and its racing history.
Citroën cars at a Glance
Founded 4 June 1919 In Paris; first car was the Type A
Founder André Citroën Engineer and industrialist (1878–1935)
Headquarters Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine Near Paris, France
Owner Stellantis Since 2021; part of PSA from 1976
Sales, first half 2026 373,700 Worldwide, up 4.4%
Leadership Xavier Chardon Citroën CEO since May 2025
Citroën cars Model Lineup
Citroën cars are sold mainly in Europe, South America, India and Africa, so the list below shows the core models in 2026, grouped by type. Most come with gas, hybrid or electric power, and the ones with an ë in the name are fully electric. However, Citroën does not sell cars in the US, while the C5 X sedan has been dropped.
Small cars and SUVs (3)
Small car
Citroën C3
Gas Hybrid Electric
The fourth-generation C3 arrived in 2024, and it is also sold as the electric ë-C3 with a range of up to 320 km. It was the brand’s best-seller in France in 2025, with 61,941 sold.
Small SUV
Citroën C3 Aircross
Gas Hybrid Electric
The new C3 Aircross arrived in 2024, and it can be ordered with seven seats. In addition, it is sold as the electric ë-C3 Aircross.
Electric microcar
Citroën Ami
Electric 45 km/h
The Ami is a tiny two-seat electric quadricycle with a top speed of 45 km/h, so in France it can be driven from age 14. Since 2020 it has been built in Kenitra, Morocco.
Family cars (4)
Compact car
Citroën C4
Hybrid Electric
The C4 is a raised compact hatchback, and it was updated in 2025. Pure gas versions were dropped, so it is now sold as a hybrid or as the electric ë-C4.
Fastback sedan
Citroën C4 X
Hybrid Electric
The C4 X is a longer, fastback version of the C4, so it has a bigger trunk. It is also offered as the electric ë-C4 X.
Compact SUV
Citroën C5 Aircross
Mild hybrid Plug-in hybrid Electric
The second-generation C5 Aircross arrived in late 2025 as the brand’s new flagship. It is built in Rennes, France, while the electric version offers up to 680 km of range.
SUV coupe
Citroën Basalt
Gas South America & India
The Basalt is a coupe-style SUV for emerging markets, and it was revealed in 2024. It is built in India and Brazil, and in 2025 it made up about half of Citroën’s sales in Brazil.
Vans (1)
Van and MPV
Citroën Berlingo
Diesel Electric Up to 7 seats
The Berlingo has been built since 1996, so it celebrates 30 years in 2026. It is sold both as a family MPV and as a van, and a new Berlingo Van was shown in September 2026.
What Are Citroën cars?
Citroën cars come from the French company that André Citroën founded on 4 June 1919. Before that, he had made his fortune with herringbone gears, which also gave the brand its double chevron badge. His first car, the Type A, went on sale in 1919, and he soon became famous for bold advertising, especially lighting up the Eiffel Tower with his name.
In 1934 Citroën launched the front-wheel-drive Traction Avant, but the cost drove the company bankrupt, so Michelin took control that December. Later, the 2CV of 1948 and the DS of 1955 made Citroën famous for clever and unusual design. Then in 1976 Peugeot took over, forming PSA.
Today Citroën cars are built by Stellantis, the group formed in 2021 when PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler. The brand focuses on comfortable, affordable cars, and it sold 373,700 vehicles worldwide in the first half of 2026. Meanwhile, its premium spin-off DS has been a separate brand since 2014.
Citroën cars History
Citroën cars have changed owners several times since 1919, while the brand has kept its reputation for bold engineering.
- 1919 André Citroën founds his car company on 4 June, and the Type A goes on sale.
- 1925 The Eiffel Tower becomes a giant illuminated Citroën sign, which it stays until 1934.
- 1934 The Traction Avant is launched, while Michelin takes control of the bankrupt company in December.
- 1935 Only a year later, André Citroën dies on 3 July.
- 1948 After the war, the 2CV is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.
- 1955 The DS is shown in Paris and takes 12,000 orders on its first day.
- 1965 Citroën buys Panhard, and then Maserati follows in 1968.
- 1970 The SM grand tourer arrives with a Maserati V6.
- 1976 Peugeot takes control, so PSA Peugeot Citroën is formed.
- 1990 Finally, the last 2CV is built in Portugal on 27 July.
- 2003 Citroën wins its first World Rally Championship manufacturers’ title.
- 2009 The DS line is launched, and it becomes a separate brand in 2014.
- 2014 Citroën wins the first of three WTCC titles in a row.
- 2020 Meanwhile, the Ami electric microcar goes on sale.
- 2021 Later, PSA and Fiat Chrysler merge to form Stellantis.
- 2026 Nick Cassidy wins in Mexico City, so Citroën takes its first Formula E victory.
Iconic Citroën Models
These five cars shaped the reputation of Citroën cars, from the first front-wheel-drive family car to the futuristic DS.
1934–1957
Citroën Traction Avant
Front-wheel drive Monocoque
When it arrived, the Traction Avant was the world’s first mass-produced front-wheel-drive car with a unit body. About 759,000 were built in 23 years.
1948–1990
Citroën 2CV
People’s car Air-cooled
The 2CV was designed to carry farmers and their produce cheaply. As a result, about 3.9 million sedans were built, and about 9.2 million including its derivatives.
1955–1975
Citroën DS
Hydropneumatic Design icon
The DS shocked the 1955 Paris Motor Show with its shape and self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension. It also came third in the 1999 Car of the Century vote, and about 1.46 million were built.
1970–1975
Citroën SM
Maserati V6 Grand tourer
The SM combined Citroën’s suspension with a Maserati V6, and it was named 1972 Motor Trend Car of the Year. However, only 12,920 were made.
1974–1991
Citroën CX
Executive car Car of the Year
In 1974 the CX replaced the DS, and then it won European Car of the Year in 1975. In total, about 1.17 million were built.
Who Owns Citroën cars?
Citroën is a brand of Stellantis, the group formed in 2021 by the merger of PSA and Fiat Chrysler. Before that, Michelin controlled the company from 1934, and then Peugeot from 1976. When AutoGathering has a page for a brand, its name below links to that page.
Parent company Stellantis Amsterdam-registered group · CEO Antonio Filosa since 2025
This page Citroën Saint-Ouen-sur-Seine, France
Sister brand DS Automobiles Premium brand that began as a Citroën line
Sister brand Peugeot French partner since 1976
Sister brand Opel German brand within Stellantis
Sister brand Fiat Italian brand within Stellantis
Sister brands
Citroën shares platforms, engines and factories with other Stellantis brands, so many of its cars have close relatives.
- Peugeot (shares most platforms and engines)
- DS Automobiles (premium spin-off; same CEO as Citroën since September 2026)
- Opel, Fiat, Jeep and Maserati (other Stellantis brands)
In addition, Xavier Chardon took charge of DS Automobiles in September 2026, while he remains CEO of Citroën.
Former owners and brands
- Michelin (1934–1976) The tire maker took over after the company went bankrupt developing the Traction Avant.
- Panhard (bought 1965) The old French car maker, which Citroën absorbed.
- Maserati (1968–1975) Citroën owned the Italian sports car maker, which supplied the SM’s V6, until it sold it to De Tomaso.
Citroën cars Accomplishments
The record of Citroën cars rests on bold engineering and design, as well as on one of the most successful rally programs ever.
9.2 million
2CV family built
Including vans and other derivatives, about 9.2 million 2CV-based vehicles were made from 1948 to 1990.
3rd
Car of the Century vote
The DS came third in the 1999 Car of the Century vote, so it ranks among the most important cars ever.
3
European Car of the Year awards
Citroën won in 1971, 1975 and 1990, with the GS, CX and XM.
8
WRC manufacturers’ titles
Citroën won the World Rally Championship in 2003, 2004, 2005 and then every year from 2008 to 2012.
9
WRC drivers’ titles for Loeb
Sébastien Loeb won nine titles in a row, from 2004 to 2012, all with Citroën.
3
WTCC titles in a row
Citroën won the World Touring Car Championship in 2014, 2015 and 2016, while José María López won all three drivers’ titles.
4
Dakar Rally wins
The ZX Rallye Raid won the Dakar four times in the 1990s.
158,763
Cars sold in France in 2025
As a result, Citroën was France’s third-best-selling brand, with an 8% share.
Citroën Racing History
Citroën cars have a rich rally history, especially since the 2000s. Its works team won eight world rally titles with Sébastien Loeb and others, and then it dominated world touring car racing. In addition, Citroën won the Dakar Rally four times in the 1990s, and since the 2025–26 season it has raced in Formula E.
World Rally Championship
Citroën in the WRC
8 manufacturers’ titles Loeb
The Xsara WRC and then the C4 WRC and DS3 WRC made Citroën the most successful rally team of its era. Sébastien Loeb won nine drivers’ titles in a row, before Citroën left the WRC after 2019.
World Touring Car Championship
C-Elysée in the WTCC
3 titles López
Citroën entered the World Touring Car Championship in 2014 with the C-Elysée, and it won both titles at its first attempt. José María López then won again in 2015 and 2016.
Formula E, 2025–today
Citroën in Formula E
First win 2026 Electric racing
Citroën joined Formula E for the 2025–26 season, taking over Maserati’s place, with Nick Cassidy and Jean-Éric Vergne. Cassidy then won in Mexico City in January 2026, in only the team’s second race.
Talk Citroën With Other Owners
Citroën owners have plenty to share, whether it is a restored 2CV or a new ë-C3. Soon, AutoGathering will connect this page to a Citroën community space where owners and enthusiasts can compare models, share maintenance tips and plan meetups.
- Classic 2CV and DS restoration
- Hydropneumatic suspension
- Electric Citroën ownership
- Maintenance and repairs
- Buying used
- Rally history
- Citroën clubs and events
- Parts and spares
Citroën cars FAQ
Who owns Citroën?
Citroën is owned by Stellantis, the group formed in 2021 from PSA and Fiat Chrysler. Before that, it was part of PSA from 1976, and Michelin controlled it from 1934.
Can you buy a Citroën in the US?
No. Citroën cars have not been sold in the US since the 1970s, when the SM no longer met new US safety rules. Instead, the brand focuses on Europe, South America, India and Africa.
Who founded Citroën?
André Citroën founded the company on 4 June 1919. He had earlier made gears and wartime shells, and his double chevron badge comes from his herringbone gears.
What is the difference between Citroën and DS?
DS began in 2009 as a premium line of Citroën cars, named after the famous 1955 DS. However, since 2014 DS Automobiles has been a separate brand within the same group.
Where are Citroën cars made?
Citroën cars are built in several Stellantis plants, including Rennes in France for the C5 Aircross, Kenitra in Morocco for the Ami, and plants in India and Brazil for the Basalt.
What is the 2CV?
The 2CV was a simple, cheap car launched in 1948 for rural France. It was built until 1990, and about 9.2 million 2CV-based vehicles were made in total.
How many rally titles has Citroën won?
Citroën won eight World Rally Championship manufacturers’ titles between 2003 and 2012, while Sébastien Loeb won nine drivers’ titles in a row in Citroën cars.
Is Citroën in Formula E?
Yes. Citroën joined Formula E for the 2025–26 season, and Nick Cassidy gave it its first win in Mexico City in January 2026.
Explore More Manufacturers
Compare Citroën cars with its sister brand and its biggest rivals.
Photo credits
- Header image: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Fourth-generation Citroën C3 Hybrid: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Citroën ë-C3 Aircross electric SUV: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Citroën C4 hatchback: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Citroën ë-C4 X electric fastback sedan: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Second-generation Citroën C5 Aircross at Ditzingen Mobil…: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- 2025 Citroën Basalt Turbo 200 Shine SUV…: RL GNZLZ, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped and resized.
- 2021 Citroën Ami electric quadricycle: John K, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Third-generation Citroën Berlingo XL MPV: © M 93, CC BY-SA 3.0 de, cropped and resized.
- Citroën Traction Avant: Traction.fr, Public domain, cropped and resized.
- Citroën 2CV: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- Citroën DS at the Bornholm Rundt 2012…: Klugschnacker, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- 1972 Citroën SM with a Maserati V6: SG2012, CC BY 2.0, cropped and resized.
- 1983 Citroën CX Prestige long-wheelbase sedan: Charles01, CC BY-SA 3.0, cropped and resized.
- Citroën Xsara WRC at the 2003 Acropolis…: Nickgleris, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.
- José María López in the Citroën C-Elysée…: emperornie, CC BY-SA 2.0, cropped and resized.
- Nick Cassidy in the Citroën Formula E…: Byxelized, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped and resized.