CITROËN CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF RÉTROMOBILE WITH A BOLD SHOWCASE OF DESIGN AND HERITAGE

• Citroën makes a return to the Rétromobile Show with a 512 m² stand, celebrating 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 future mobility.
• Alongside ELO, Citroën presents several emblematic concept cars that defined their respective eras: 2 CV A, C10, Karin, Activa 1, Xanae, and C-Cactus.
• A loyal participant since the very first edition of the Show, the La Traction Universelle club will once again exhibit on the Brand’s stand the one and only Traction Avant 15-6 Cabriolet, originally showcased in 1976 during the inaugural 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 – Citroën Celebrates 50 Years of Rétromobile with a Bold Showcase of Design and Heritage. For its participation in the Rétromobile Show, Citroën invites the public to (re)discover its history through a stand dedicated to design, creativity, and boldness, featuring six concept cars. This display illustrates the Brand’s enduring commitment since 1919: making mobility accessible to as many people as possible through useful, innovative technologies focused on comfort.

Visitors will experience Citroën’s rich heritage through concept cars that combine distinctive design and pioneering technologies—an endless source of inspiration that naturally links past and future.

ELO: Reimagining Citroën’s 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 accommodates 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 family-oriented MPV interiors 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 - reducing environmental impact without compromising comfort or creativity. This approach illustrates Citroën’s ambition to combine design, functionality, and responsibility.

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

Historic Icons on Display

2 CV A – 1939: The Pioneer of Citroën’s Success

Defined as “four wheels under an umbrella,” the TPV project (Toute Petite Voiture) launched in 1936 aimed to create an economical car capable of carrying four people and 50 kg of luggage at 50 km/h, while providing maximum comfort. In 1939, production of an initial series of 250 units began for the Paris Motor Show, which was canceled due to the outbreak of war. All vehicles were destroyed except four. The first was rediscovered in 1968 and fully restored; it is exhibited on the stand. The other three were recovered in 1997 from a farmhouse attic at Citroën’s historic La Ferté Vidame test center. A pioneer in the small car segment, iconic features of the 2 CV - such as the removable rear bench seat - are reinterpreted in the ELO concept.

C10 – 1956: A Design Shaped by Aerodynamics

In 1956, Citroën dared to present a concept with bold, compact architecture. Light, economical, and technically ahead of its time, its design drew on aeronautical techniques. Nicknamed the “water drop,” the C10 impressed with its striking silhouette.

Karin – 1980: At the Forefront of Electronic Innovation

Designed by Franco-Italian stylist Trevor Fiore, Karin was a pyramidal concept car conceived as a styling exercise to gauge public reaction. Its debut at the 1980 Paris Motor Show was significant. This mid-range concept featured innovations such as an electronic driving information display and vehicle status monitoring. Its luminous design and central driving position inspired ELO’s modularity.

Activa 1 – 1988: Enhanced Onboard Technologies

Unveiled at the 1988 Motor Show, Activa 1 combined high-pressure hydraulic suspension with electronic management, promising 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, Xanae synthesized new contributions in styling, handling, and conviviality. This MPV featured 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.

C-Cactus – 2007: A Sustainable Design

Presented at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, C-Cactus introduced a new automotive vision addressing environmental and accessibility concerns. With HDi hybrid technology and a price comparable to an entry-level family saloon, C-Cactus explored new design philosophies, deliberately omitting 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: The Return 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 limousine and family versions. Worldwide, only three authentic 15-6 Cabriolet prototypes with six-cylinder engines exist, including the red model exhibited at Rétromobile. Citroën is honored to present this rare masterpiece, first displayed at the inaugural Rétromobile in 1976, with the support of La Traction Universelle club. The Brand thanks the club for 50 years of passion and heritage, magnificently embodied by this exceptional six-cylinder Traction Avant—a fleet of nearly 3,000 vehicles, including this unique model celebrating the Show’s 50th anniversary as it did in 1976.

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

ENDS

Contact:

STEVE FAHEY

Head of Public relations

steven.fahey@stellantis.com

TEL +44(0)7748 704219

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About Citroën

Since 1919, Citroën has been creating automobiles, technologies, and mobility solutions to respond to changes in society. A brand of boldness and innovation, Citroën places peace of mind and well-being at the heart of its customer experience, and offers a wide range of models, from the distinctive Ami, an electric mobility object designed for the city, to saloons, SUVs, and commercial vehicles, most of which are available in electric or rechargeable hybrid versions. A pioneer brand in the services and attention paid to its private and professional customers, Citroën is present in 101 countries and has a network of 6,200 points of sale and service throughout the world.

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.