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The 2CV is resurrected: Citroën relaunches the legend in electric form for under 15,000 euros
🇩🇿 Algeria /Technology

The 2CV is resurrected: Citroën relaunches the legend in electric form for under 15,000 euros

From El Watan · () French

Translated from French, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Citroën is reviving the iconic 2CV as an affordable electric vehicle, with a concept car due in October and production by 2027.
  • The electric 2CV is positioned as Stellantis's answer to inexpensive Chinese electric cars.
  • The company aims to leverage the 2CV's heritage to create a popular, accessible vehicle in a rapidly changing automotive market.

Thirty-five years after its discontinuation, the legendary Citroën 2CV is poised for a comeback as an affordable electric vehicle. A concept car is expected at the Paris Motor Show in October, with production slated to begin by 2027. This revival is seen as Stellantis's strategic response to the influx of low-cost Chinese electric cars.

There are resurrections that we no longer dare to hope for, so much have they been promised and deferred.

— Article textThe article introduces the long-awaited revival of the Citroën 2CV.

The 2CV, which ceased production in 1990 after selling over 5.1 million units globally, has long been a source of inspiration for Citroën's design studios. Previous attempts to capture its spirit, like the C3 Lumière concept and the all-electric Revolte concept, did not fully translate the original's essence, with the latter being criticized for attempting a premium positioning that contradicted the 2CV's popular appeal.

Now, under the leadership of new CEO Antonio Filosa, Stellantis is placing significant emphasis on the 2CV's heritage to address the growing demand for affordable electric vehicles. The industrial context has shifted dramatically, with Chinese manufacturers intensifying competition in the accessible EV segment. The 2CV's legacy as a "people's car" makes it an ideal candidate to meet this market need.

The 2CV never had any high-end pretensions, and its admirers would hardly have forgiven it.

— Article textReflecting on a past concept car's positioning that deviated from the 2CV's identity.

Citroën will unveil a concept car outlining the future electric 2CV's design at the Paris Motor Show this October. The production model is anticipated two years later. This move signifies a deliberate strategy by Stellantis to tap into its historical strengths to navigate the current automotive landscape and compete effectively in the burgeoning electric vehicle market.

the market needs a cheap vehicle. And no name in Stellantis's heritage carries this promise better than the Deuche.

— Article textExplaining the strategic rationale behind reviving the 2CV as an affordable EV.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by El Watan in French. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.