CITROËN SHOWCASES THE EXTENT OF ITS CREATIVITY AND INNOVATION THROUGH STRIKING CONCEPT

• Citroën makes its great return to the Rétromobile Show with a 512 m² stand, representing more than 100 years of creativity and innovation.

• For the first time, the ELO concept car is unveiled to the French public, embodying a bold vision of mobility.

• Alongside ELO, Citroën brings together several emblematic concept cars that marked their respective eras: 2 CV A, C 10, Karin, Activa 1, Xanae and C-Cactus.

• A loyal participant since the very first edition of the Show, the club La Traction Universelle will once again exhibit on the Brand’s stand the one and only Traction Avant 15‑6 Cabriolet, originally presented in 1976 during the inaugural edition of Rétromobile. Its return celebrates both the 50th anniversary of the Show and the 50th anniversary of its first public appearance in France.

Poissy, January 15, 2026 – For its participation in the 50th edition of the Rétromobile Show, Citroën invites the public to (re)discover its history through a stand dedicated to design, creativity and boldness, showcased across seven concept cars. The stand illustrates the Brand’s historical commitments since 1919: making mobility accessible to as many people as possible through useful, innovative technologies focused on comfort.

Visitors will be able to appreciate Citroën’s rich heritage through the concept cars on display. Featuring distinctive designs and innovative technologies, they serve as an endless source of inspiration for the Brand, naturally linking past and future.

ELO: reimagined Citroën audacity, bridging heritage and modernity

With ELO, Citroën presents a concept car that embodies a bold vision of mobility while drawing on the creative DNA of its historic concepts. Designed as a true ideas laboratory, ELO responds to new lifestyles: compact (4.10 m) yet spacious and modular, it can accommodate up to six people. It adapts to all uses: mobility, remote working, leisure and relaxation. This flexible and convivial approach follows in the footsteps of Xanae, a pioneer of the family-oriented MPV interior designed for shared moments.

ELO’s architecture is 100% electric, leveraging electrification to maximize space and deliver unprecedented modularity. Its centrally positioned driver’s seat, combined with a 180° panoramic windscreen, echoes the boldness of Karin (1980), with its central driving position and futuristic joystick-inspired interface. This configuration ensures outstanding visibility while encouraging interaction with passengers, thanks to the ability to rotate the seat to create a shared work or social space.

From a design standpoint, ELO asserts a distinctive MPV silhouette that reinterprets the mono-volume concept, in continuity with C10 (1956), renowned for its unconventional styling and exceptional interior space. This originality lies at the core of Citroën’s philosophy: daring to create new forms to meet real user needs.

ELO also aligns with the eco-responsible approach initiated by C‑Cactus (2007), which paved the way for simplicity and material recycling. Recycled fabrics made from Oli offcuts, developed in partnership with Decathlon, reflect the same drive for sustainable innovation, aimed at reducing environmental impact without compromising comfort or creativity. This approach illustrates Citroën’s ambition to combine design, functionality and responsibility.

ELO thus embodies a creative, optimistic and well-being-focused Citroën vision, transforming every daily journey into a unique experience.

2 CV A – 1939: the Citroën pioneered of the Brand’s success

“Four wheels under an umbrella”, such was the definition of the TPV project (Toute Petite Voiture) launched in 1936. It was intended to give birth to an economical car, capable of carrying four people and 50 kilos of luggage at 50 km/h, while providing maximum comfort. In 1939, production of an initial series of 250 units was launched in anticipation of the Paris Motor Show. Scheduled for October, the event was cancelled as France entered the war. All the vehicles were destroyed except four. The first was rediscovered in 1968 and has since been fully restored; it is the one exhibited on the stand. The other three were recovered in 1997 from the attic of a farmhouse on the historic site of the Citroën La Ferté Vidame test center, in Eure‑et‑Loir. A pioneer in the small car segment, certain iconic features of the 2 CV, such as the removable rear bench seat, are today reinterpreted in the ELO concept car.

C10 – 1956: A design shaped by aerodynamics

Only Citroën would dare, in 1956, to present such a concept with such a bold and compact architecture. Light, economical and technically ahead of its time, its design is rooted in aeronautical techniques. Nicknamed the “water drop” by its designers, the C10 made a strong impression thanks to its striking silhouette.

Karin – 1980: At the forefront of electronic innovation

Karin is a pyramidal concept car designed by Franco-Italian stylist Trevor FIORE. Conceived as a styling exercise, it explored a new vehicle line to assess public reaction. The impact of the Citroën Karin at the 1980 Paris Motor Show was significant. This mid-range concept car featured innovative equipment such as an electronic driving information display and vehicle status monitoring. Its luminous design and central driving position inspired the ELO concept, delivering increased space and modularity.

Activa 1 – 1988: Enhanced onboard technologies 

Unveiled at the 1988 Motor Show, Activa 1 is a new research prototype combining high-pressure hydraulic suspension with embedded electronic management. This convergence of technologies promised major advances in comfort, handling, driving pleasure and safety. Three electronic control units linked to the hydraulic system managed assisted functions such as suspension, steering and braking. Activa 1 was the first Citroën concept to feature a head-up display and multiple screens, anticipating modern user interfaces.

Xanae – 1994: A family-oriented rethink of interior space

Presented at the 1994 Paris Motor Show, the Xanae concept car embodies a successful synthesis of new contributions in terms of styling, handling and conviviality. This MPV distinguished itself with a highly innovative look. Access on board was facilitated by two pillarless doors and rotating front seats, allowing occupants to sit face-to-face.

Its foldable rear bench, extended with a rounded design, provided exceptional comfort. The rotating front seats concept, adopted by ELO, transforms the MPV into a true living space on board.

C-Cactus – 2007: A Sustainable design

Presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën developed a new automotive vision addressing environmental and accessibility concerns. Thanks to its HDi hybrid technology and a price comparable to an entry-level family saloon, C‑Cactus explored new design philosophies, deliberately omitting certain non-essential features to focus on occupant well-being. One of the first concepts to integrate recycled materials, C‑Cactus paved the way for ELO.

50 years of Rétromobile: comeback of the 1939 Traction Avant 15-6 Cabriolet

The first 15‑6 Cabriolet prototypes were built in 1939 to complete the Traction Avant range alongside long, limousine and family versions. Worldwide, only three authentic 15‑6 cabriolet prototypes with six-cylinder engines exist, including the red six-cylinder Traction Avant 15‑6 Cabriolet exhibited at the Rétromobile Show.

Citroën is honoured to present this rare masterpiece, already displayed at the very first edition of Rétromobile in 1976, with the support of the La Traction Universelle club. The Brand thanks La Traction Universelle and is proud to welcome such a loyal club: 50 years of passion and heritage, magnificently embodied by this exceptional six-cylinder Traction Avant. Few clubs can claim a fleet of nearly 3,000 vehicles, including a unique model that celebrated the Show’s 50th anniversary just as it did at the inaugural 1976 edition.

Press Kit : Pictures_Concepts car_Rétromobile

Practical information

Rétromobile, 50^th edition from January 28 to February 1, 2026. Preview evening, Tuesday, January 27, from 6 pm to 10 pm. Press accréditations:  https://www.retromobile.com/fr-FR/presse/Accreditation-Presse

Opening hours : from 10 pm to 7 pm (until 8:30 pm on Thursday and Saturday Late opening is until 10 pm on Friday, January 30.

Citroën stand is Hall 7.2 and Citroën clubs and L’Aventure Citroën village are Hall 7.1.

A merchandising boutique will also be present, showcasing a selection of products from the Citroën Lifestyle e‑shop. Original gift ideas to enjoy or share. Access the online boutique now at: https://lifestyle.citroen.fr

Contact :

Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating cars, technologies and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. Bold and innovative, Citroën places serenity and well-being at the heart of its customer experience and offers a wide range of models, from the unique Ami, an electric mobility solution designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or hybrid versions. A pioneer in services and customer care for both private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 sales and service outlets worldwide.

For more information about Citroën, visit the media site https://fr-media.citroen.com.

L’Aventure Citroën

Citroën’s participation in the Rétromobile Show would not be as rich without the support of L’Aventure Citroën. Founded as a non-profit association, L’Aventure Citroën is dedicated to preserving, developing and promoting the Brand’s heritage. Its teams work with and for members and enthusiasts, offering documentation services, maintenance and restoration of classic vehicles in its workshops in Sochaux (Doubs). The association also provides spare parts for classic cars and youngtimers, as well as branded merchandise via its dedicated website: www.boutique-laventure-association.com.