Geneva show: Citroen teases first of two concepts

CITROEN is preparing to celebrate its centenary with two concept cars that might well shape its next 100 years.

One of the cars – an electric urban runabout that is expected to channel the legendary 2CV, in spirit if not in looks – is likely to appear first at next month’s Geneva motor show before going on to the French tech exhibition VivaTech on May 16 when it will be joined by the second concept – showing off Citroen’s take on “ultra comfort” – in its global entrance.

Company CEO Linda Jackson used a Twitter video to announce the concepts, before following up with a bunch of teaser photos of the first show car.

She stopped short of saying the unnamed city car would appear first at Geneva. However, other senior Citroen executives have previously hinted that the annual show in the Swiss capital would mark its debut.

Ms Jackson was specific about the “ultra comfort” concept making its debut at VivaTech, which is an exhibition for tech start-ups, some of which are said to have helped with the concept’s development.

This move continues the trend by motor companies to take their electrified, digitised products where the crowds are – tech shows – including the annual Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas.

Ms Jackson said 2019 – the 100th anniversary of the founding of the company by Andre Citroen in 1919 – was a perfect time to announce new mobility solutions.

“VivaTech will be an amazing opportunity to present two new concept cars,” she said. “The first one will give Citroen’s vision in terms of urban mobility.

“The second one, unveiled at VivaTech, will embody Citroen’s take on ultra-comfort. Proudly designed with French start-ups, Citroen will showcase its latest innovations in digital or onboard customer experience. You’ll see that they are in tune with new customer mobility expectations.”

Citroen has promised to release more information about the concepts on February 19.