France's beloved Citroen 2CV revived as electric car

Citroen announced a return of the 2CV as a fully electric vehicle 36 years after production ended. A revamped exterior will keep original contours, including a domed and ribbed front hood and protruding headlights, while modern road requirements may require adjustments before production. The company plans a version to appear at the Paris auto show in October. The new 2CV will be 100% electric, produced entirely in Europe, and priced below €15,000. Citroen expects mainly European sales and aims to reach retail showrooms in about two years. Stellantis also plans an e-car campaign for small electric vehicles under €15,000 produced in Italy.

"“The 2CV is back!” said CEO Xavier Chardon said. “Citroen is back. Back to the future.” The announcement came at an investor day in Michigan by parent company Stellantis, which also owns Jeep, Ram and Fiat, among other brands. A version of the vehicle is expected at the Paris auto show in October. At Thursday's event, journalists and analysts could see an exterior of the revamped 2CV that retains the original contours, with signature features such as a domed and ribbed front hood and protruding headlights."

"“It's a very important moment, because in 1948 the 2CV gave freedom of mobility to millions, and 80 years later, the new 2CV will democratise electric mobility,” Chardon said. Chardon vowed that the reboot will be “100 percent electric”, entirely produced in Europe and priced at below €15,000. “The true people's car designed for real life,” he said. “For me, the future of mobility will not be won by the most complex cars, but by the simplest and the most intuitive ones.”"

"Citroen officials plan to mainly market the vehicle in Europe, anticipating it will hit retail showrooms in about two years. Stellantis announced this week a campaign around e-cars, small electric vehicles costing at most €15,000 under different brands to be produced in Pomigliano d'Arco, Italy. The Citroen 2CV, or “two horses” was first unveiled with fanfare on October 7, 1948, at the Paris auto salon. Originally fabricated in a single color - grey - the vehicle, nicknamed 'la deudeuche', found quick success with consumers, leading to delivery delays in the 1950s."

Read at The Local France