Who is Citroen made by?
Citroën was founded by the French industrialist André Citroën in 1919 and is today part of Stellantis, the multinational carmaker formed in 2021. The brand’s origins trace back to a driven inventor who popularized mass production in the automotive sector, and its current home sits within a vast corporate portfolio that spans many marques.
This article traces the founder’s role, the brand’s historical evolution, and how ownership has shaped Citroën from a pioneering French automaker into a modern, globally distributed marque within Stellantis. We’ll look at the early years, key corporate shifts, and what the arrangement means for today’s models and technology.
Origins: Founded by André Citroën
Citroën began as a family-founded enterprise in Paris, established by André Citroën. The company quickly embraced mass production and innovation as a path to affordable mobility, setting the stage for decades of design and engineering breakthroughs.
Key moments in the early history of Citroën include the following milestones:
- 1919: André Citroën founds Citroën in Paris, signaling the start of mass-produced vehicles in France.
- 1924: The Citroën Type A becomes the first mass-produced car manufactured by the company for a broad market.
- 1934: Launch of the Traction Avant, a landmark model known for front-wheel drive and unibody construction.
- 1955: Introduction of the DS, a luxury model famed for advanced technology and distinctive styling (DS later becomes its own premium brand).
- 1976: PSA Peugeot Citroën is formed after a merger between Peugeot and Citroën, reshaping the European automotive landscape.
- 2009–2015: The premium DS line is launched as a separate sub-brand, eventually becoming DS Automobiles in its own right.
- 2021: Stellantis is created from the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), placing Citroën within a global, cross-brand platform strategy.
These milestones illustrate how Citroën evolved from a pioneering automaker into a brand operating within a broader corporate ecosystem that emphasizes shared technology and global reach.
Iconic models and design milestones
Over the decades, Citroën has become known for distinctive design, comfort-focused engineering, and a series of iconic models that helped define its public image. From early mass-production feats to modern electric offerings, the brand’s heritage remains a touchstone for its current lineup.
From Independent Maker to Global Brand: Ownership Timeline
The ownership and corporate structure of Citroën has shifted through major industry consolidations, culminating in its current status within Stellantis. The changes reflect a broader trend toward large, multinational groups that coordinate platforms and technology across numerous brands.
Important steps in modern ownership include the following:
- 1919–1976: Citroën operates as an independent automaker and grows into a European-scale producer.
- 1976: PSA Peugeot Citroën is formed, creating a formal corporate alliance between Peugeot and Citroën within a single group.
- 2009–2015: DS Automobiles emerges as a premium sub-brand, later established as its own marque separate from Citroën.
- 2021: Stellantis is formed via the merger of PSA Group and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), placing Citroën within a large multinational portfolio.
Today, Citroën operates as a core brand within Stellantis, benefiting from shared platforms, electrification resources, and engineering collaborations across the group's extensive lineup.
In summary, Citroën’s ownership has evolved from a founder-led French company to a key brand in a global conglomerate that coordinates product development across many marques and markets.
Summary
Citroën was created by André Citroën in 1919 and is currently part of Stellantis, the 2021 merger partner that brought PSA and FCA together. From early innovations in mass production to modern electric models, the brand has navigated major corporate reorganizations while remaining a distinct European icon within a global automaker network.
