Early successes were matched with disappointment, as Citroën developed Europe’s first all-steel car bodies but competitors then adapted designs and made these appear old fashioned. Then, in 1934, Citroën revolutionised the industry by introducing front wheel drive with the Traction Avant model. The massive expense of this, however, financially ruined the company. A takeover by Michelin ensured its survival and the innovation continued with the development of Citroën’s hydropneumatic suspension system in 1954.

Gradual growth allowed Citroën to acquire the French manufacturer Panhard as well as Maserati during the 1960s. However Panhard ceased production in 1967 and the following year Michelin sold a 49% stake in Citroën to the Italian Fiat. Six years later this stake was returned and the company went bankrupt in 1974.

This prompted the French government to intervene and arrange a takeover by Peugeot, which was completed in 1976. Since then Citroën has developed a worldwide market and become highly successful in rallying, winning the World Championship contructors’ title in 2003, 2004 and 2005.

Citroën models themselves have also been successful, as the GS, CX and most recently the XM have all been named European Car of the Year. The XM was succeeded by the C6, which was the first car to be awarded four stars in the pedestrian category of the EuroNCAP safety ratings. More recently the C4 was named the 2006 winner of the World Car Design of the Year award.

EuroNCAP Safety Ratings for Citroën cars
The European New Car Assessment Programme produces reports on the safety of vehicles based on the results of several crash tests. As well as measuring how the car will hold up in a crash the risk to a pedestrian struck by the car is assessed. The star ratings (maximum 5) of key Citroën models are shown below.