Who is the founder of Citroën automobiles? What was the first car produced by Citroën? What is the ‘Citroën Central Asia’ Expedition? What do Citroën Traction Avant, Citroën 2 CV, Citroën DS and Citroën Ami 6 have in common? Who invented Citroën Mehari? What is the bestselling car in the Brand’s history? In 80 questions and answers, a timeline and the description of 10 iconic models, this little book will help you (re)discover Citroën’s fabulous history through iconic models, technical innovations and the people who wrote this unique industrial adventure that has revolutionised the history of the automobile since 1919. Questions and answers for the centenary of the Brand Price : €6 GRÉGOIRE THONNAT LE PETIT QUIZZ Questions and answers for the centenary of the Brand GRÉGOIRE THONNAT SUMMARY Preface 5 Questions and answers 7 A brief timeline of Citroën 89 10 iconic vehicles of the Brand 101 The Citroën brand 123 5 Dear readers, There is a reason why the Citroën 2 CV is as much a symbol of France as the Eiffel Tower…because we all have a Citroën story to tell! However, do you know the story of Citroën itself? Le Petit Quiz invites you to (re)discover Citroën’s journey from the origin of its logo to its many technological innovations, from legendary cars to its sporting achievements, and taking a detour through its cult advertising campaigns throughout the years. These 80 questions will help you discover amusing anecdotes and relive Citroën’s history! As the centenary of Citroën approaches, this is the essential tool to ensure you are ‘up to speed’ with one of the most collected car brands in the world… Linda Jackson, CEO, Citroën Brand 5 QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS 7 WHO WAS THE FOUNDER OF CITROËN? André Citroën! Born on 5 February 1878, André graduated from École Polytechnique and then went on to found Engrenages Citroën in 1905, before leading Mors automobiles in 1908. In 1915, while enlisted as an artillery officer, he created a munitions factory. In 1919, he produced the first Citroën automobile and within 10 years, Citroën had become the largest vehicle manufacture in Europe. In 1935, he lost control of the company and died on 3 July 1935 at the age of 57. WHAT IS THE ORIGIN OF THE CITROËN LOGO? André Citroën created his first metalworking company by purchasing the patent for a revolutionary chevron-shaped gear system – the herringbone gear. From that point on, he made the chevrons his symbol. In 1919, when he launched Citroën automobiles, he kept this symbol. While the logo has evolved over time, the double chevron symbol has remained for 100 years. WHAT WAS THE FIRST VEHICLE PRODUCE BY CITROËN? Citroën Type A-10 HP. Launched on 4 June 1919, and inspired by the Taylorist approach applied in the United States by Henry Ford, this very first Citroën, was also the first car to be mass-produced in Europe. This enabled Type A-10 HP to be sold at a much lower price than the competition at the time. A truly landmark event. WHY WAS CITROËN TYPE C–5 HP, RELEASED IN 1922, GIVEN THE NICKNAME ‘PETITE CITRON’? Because, from launch, this two-seater model was only available in yellow. HOW DID CITROËN CREATE A BUZZ AT THE 1922 PARIS MOTOR SHOW ? André Citroën arranged for an aeroplane to write the name Citroën in the sky. It was a total of 5 km in length across the Parisian skyline. This was marketing that was truly ahead of its time! IN 1922, ANDRÉ CITROËN CREATED SOVAC. WHAT WAS INNOVATIVE ABOUT THIS COMPANY? It was Europe’s first car finance company. Created by André Citroën, it made it easier for his customers to buy cars on finance at a reduced interest rate. WHAT USEFUL SERVICE DID ANDRÉ CITROËN OFFER TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR DRIVERS TO FIND THEIR WAY AROUND FRANCE IN THE 1920S? From 1922, he offered towns in France road signs, which all included the Citroën logo stamped into the metal. So not only did they provide useful directions, they also increased recognition of the Citroën name. The 100,000th road sign was installed in 1926. WHEN CREATING HIS COMPANY, WHICH VITAL DEVELOPMENTAL TOOL DID ANDRÉ CITROËN IMPLEMENT? A huge sales and service network. During the first year in business, they numbered 200 outlets. In 1925, this had grown to nearly 5,000. Mission Haart-Audouin dubreuil - Alger tombouctou BETWEEN DECEMBER 1922 AND FEBRUARY 1923, WHAT DID THE ‘HAART-AUDOIN- DUBREUIL MISSION’ ACHIEVE ON BOARD CITROËN B2 HALF-TRACK? The first Sahara crossing in a car between Toggourt (Algeria) and Timbuktu (Mali). This daring feat at the time created a stir around the world, which very much benefited the Brand. It was the first example of using an achievement in brand communications. Mission Haart-Audouin dubreuil - Alger tombouctou FROM THE BEGINNING OF THE 1920S, ANDRÉ CITROËN STARTED TO SELL PRODUCTS, WHICH WOULD PLAY AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN PROMOTING THE BRAND AROUND THE WORLD. WHAT WERE THEY? Toy cars. Each miniature« Mon of the Dieu, original guidez-nous, was released at the same time as the real vehicle. The idea:protégez-nous, that a child’s first words would be nous"Mama, régnons Papa, trop Citroën". jeunes ! » WHAT WAS THE ‘CARAVANE CITROËN’? From 1923, in order to meet future customers and to promote his dealerships, André Citroën had the idea of launching travelling promotional events. A procession of cars which travelled around France, and then Europe, promoting each of his models. This was the first ever road show. WHICH MAJOR TECHNICAL INNOVATION WAS FEATURED ON THE CITROËN B10, LAUNCHED IN 1924? Citroën B10 was the first European all-steel automobile (stamped and welded sheet metal) for increased stability and safety. Until then, car bodywork was like that of a horse-drawn vehicle, which consisted of steel panels fitted to a wooden frame. WHAT DO THESE NAMES MEAN: SCARABÉE D’OR, ÉLÉPHANT À LA TOUR, SOLEIL EN MARCHE? Along with Escargot Ailé, Croissant d’Argent, Colombe, Centaure and Pégase, these are the names given to the eight Citroën B2 half-tracks which were used on the ‘Citroën Central Africa’ expedition. It was the first successful automotive crossing of the African continent, which took place between 1924 and 1925. These vehicles covered 20,000 kilometres between Algeria, Cape Town (South Africa) and the Indian Ocean. WHICH INNOVATIVE IDEA DID ANDRÉ CITROËN HAVE TO SUPPORT VEHICLE REPAIRS IN 1926? He created the first service repair manual and parts catalogue. lettres lumineuses WHICH INNOVATIVE SAFETY FEATURE MADE ITS APPEARANCE AT THE LAUNCH OF CITROËN B14, IN 1926? The brake light. It wasn’t until the 1950s that it became a requirement of the Highway Code. lettres lumineuses WHAT PUBLICITY STUNT DID ANDRÉ CITROËN PULL OFF IN 1925? He wrote his name in lights on the Eiffel Tower, using more than 250,000 bulbs. This impressive and unique advertisement remained in place until 1934. WHICH FEATURES WHICH WERE NORMALLY RESERVED FOR TOP-OF-THE-RANGE VEHICLES WERE FITTED TO CITROËN B14, LAUNCHED IN 1926? A power-assisted braking system which increase braking efficiency by acting on the four wheels, a dashboard with indirect lighting and adjustable front seats. WHICH SOCIAL ADVANCES DID ANDRÉ CITROËN IMPLEMENT FOR HIS EMPLOYEES THAT, AT THE TIME, WERE UNRIVALLED? Canteens, crèches, healthcare (provided internally) and a ‘cooperative of purchases’, whereby the Brand purchased items in bulk, thus enabling employees to buy their food and clothing at a reduced price. In 1927, he was also the first employer in France to implement a 13th month salary. IN 1926, WHICH EUROPEAN RECORD WAS BROKEN BY CITROËN? Citroën achieved a record rate of 400 vehicles produced per day thanks to a 30,000 strong workforce and the scientific management approach known as Taylorism. WHICH NEW CITROËN EXPERIENCE DID ANDRE CITROËN OFFER THE PUBLIC DURING THE 1927 PARIS MOTOR SHOW? Open days at the Javel plant. Hordes of visitors came to explore Citroën’s production line for the first time. At its peak, this 22-hectare site in central Paris, employed up to 30,000 people. FROM 1932, WHICH INNOVATION FITTED TO CITROËN MODELS, HELPED TO MODERNISE THE CAR? The floating-power engine. This invention consisted of fitting rubber blocks between the engine and the chassis to absorb vibrations in the passenger compartment. To gain public awareness of this revolutionary new technology, each model equipped with this innovation bore a special Citroën badge depicting a swan floating on water beneath two chevrons. OF THE CITROËN MODELS PRODUCED IN THE 1920S AND 30S, WHAT WAS SPECIAL ABOUT THE BODYWORK OF THE VEHICLES REFERRED TO AS "BOULANGÈRE"? They were commercial vehicles intended for travelling traders. These small vans were fitted with roller curtains to the sides and rear, thus enabling traders to operate their business remotely. IN 1933, WHICH WORLD RECORD WAS SET BY ‘PETITE ROSALIE’? The world distance record. This simple 8bhp model was equipped with an aerodynamic body enabling it to complete 300,000 kilometres in 134 days at an average of 93kph, around the Linas Montlhéry circuit. WHO MADE THIS STATEMENT: "CITROËN IS GOOD FOR US. THEY PREVENT US FROM FALLING ASLEEP."? Louis Renault (1877-1944). WHAT IS THE ‘CITROËN CENTRAL ASIA’ EXPEDITION? This was Citroën’s third great expedition. Travelling between Beirut (Lebanon) and Peking (China), between 1931 and 1932, it followed the line of the old Silk Road, including crossing the Himalayas and the Gobi desert. This long-distance race was as much about scientific exploration as it was a mechanical and human feat, a truly epic expedition! AT THE BEGINNING OF THE 1930S, WHERE DID CITROËN SIT IN THE AUTOMOTIVE MARKET? They were first in Europe and the second largest manufacturer in the world.