PSA Peugeot Citroen
Concern PSA Peugeot Citroen was established in 1976 by combining two car companies - Peugeot and Citroen.
Each of these companies has its own long history.
Arman Peugeot, the future creator of Peugeot, began his activity as an automaker in 1889. It was then that a steam engine was designed and launched under his patronage. Subsequently, the steam plant gave way to the gasoline engine, which was released under license from Gottlieb Daimler.
These early models received the name "Type" and the number in order since 1895.
Peugeot became the first manufacturer to use rubber tires on a gasoline car (in 1895), as well as a pioneer in auto racing - took part in 1894 in the race "Paris - Rouen Rally".
In 1896, Armand Peugeot created Societe Anonyme des Automobiles Peugeot, built a new plant at Audincourt and focused entirely on the production of cars. In the same year he began to produce engines for cars of his own design.
The company grew and developed and after the death of Arman Peugeot in 1915, his family continued to develop his business.
The company successfully survived the First World War during which it was engaged in the production of weapons, military vehicles, tanks and shells.
After the war, car production was resumed. The company produced cars of different classes - both inexpensive - Peugeot 201, and the highest class - Peugeot 401 and Peugeot 601.
The Second World War for some time interrupted the development of the company's automotive business. However, shortly after its completion, the company launched the new model - Peugeot 202 in 1946, Peugeot 203 - in 1947, Peugeot 403 - in 1955.
In 1974, Peugeot bought the first 30% stake in Citroen, and then - in 1975, became its full owner. This was how PSA Peugeot Citroen was formed.
Citroen
The company was founded in 1919 by industrialist Andre Citroen.
Initially, the company was positioned as a manufacturer of inexpensive cars intended for mass production. However, she also had her achievements. For example, in 1934, it launched the very successful Traction Avant model, a revolutionary model for those times. This model was one of the first mass-produced front-drive vehicles that was in excellent demand and successfully produced until 1957.
In 1948, Citroen introduced the car 2CV, which, thanks to its low cost and ease of maintenance, gained popularity in France and around the world and was produced for 42 years - until 1990, without undergoing any significant changes in design.
Another legendary model of the company was released in 1955 - Citroen DS - 19. In addition to the revolutionary design, it applied a number of technical innovations - disc brakes on all wheels, power steering and brakes, hydropneumatic suspension, which ensured smooth progress and could lift or lower car body.
In 1978, PSA Peugeot Citroen acquired Chrysler’s European division.
All these investments caused serious financial problems for the entire PSA group - from 1980 to 1985, the PSA company was losing profit intensively.
Only due to the fact that in 1983 the release of the Peugeot 205 began, which enjoyed unprecedented popularity around the world and entered the top ten most popular cars of the 20th century, things of the concern began to improve.
In 1984, the PSA group began to establish contacts with China, which led to the successful establishment of the Dongfeng Peugeot-Citroen Automobile enterprise in Juhani, which assembles the concern’s products in the Chinese market.
In the early nineties, the failure of Peugeot 405 forced the company to cease operations in the United States and Canada after 33 years of presence in local markets.
Motorsport
The rally team Citroen achieved great success in the World Rally Championship. She won the manufacturers standings 8 times (2003–2005, 2008–2012), and her pilot, Sebastien Loeb, became the nine-time world champion in the individual competition.
Today, the concern produces a wide range of car models that cover all major market niches and successfully develop new markets, especially China, Russia and South America.
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