Citroën: the favourite brand of French presidents

While Citroën has always embodied the idea of a popular car, such as the legendary Type A or the legendary 2CV, the double-headed brand has also managed to attract the highest levels of power. In fact, Citroën is the undisputed favourite of the Presidents of the French Republic. This particularity makes Citroën a unique brand that skilfully combines an accessible side with a high-end aspect. A look back at some of the brand's iconic vehicles that have left their mark on history, in this new section dedicated to the brand's links with French presidents.

Iconic Citroëns

Citroën's Traction Avant and DS cars have left their mark on French automotive history, as well as presidential history. The Traction Avant, with its innovative design and front-wheel drive, was a revolution in the 1930s. It was used by several presidents, including René Coty, who had a 15/6 H limousine for his personal and official journeys.

The DS became an icon thanks to Charles de Gaulle. On 22 August 1962, the general's DS 19 survived the Petit-Clamart assassination attempt and saved the president's life. Despite having a punctured front tyre, the car was able to continue its journey thanks to its hydraulic suspension, demonstrating its robustness and advanced engineering.

After de Gaulle, Georges Pompidou continued to use the DS before moving on to the SM, which was used by several subsequent presidents, thanks to its elegant design and impressive performance. Georges Pompidou was one of the first presidents to use the SM, with a version specially designed for official parades. The Presidential SM was fitted with an improved cooling system and a walking gear, allowing the President to wave to the crowds during parades.

The SM continued to be used by subsequent presidents, including Valéry Giscard d'Estaing, who appreciated the car's combination of comfort and performance. The SM was also used by François Mitterrand at the start of his presidency, before he moved on to other Citroën models.

The Citroën CX was another iconic car used by French presidents. Jacques Chirac in particular drove the CX Prestige, renowned for its comfort and distinctive design, and praised for its handling and spacious interior.

The C6 has also been used by several presidents, including Jacques Chirac and Nicolas Sarkozy. The C6, with its elegant design and advanced technology, was the presidential car of choice until Citroën handed it over to DS, with the DS 7 Crossback being used by Emmanuel Macron.

Citroën's success in combining a popular brand image, embodied by vehicles such as the 2CV and the Type A, with a more upmarket image is undoubtedly what makes Citroën unique. The brand has been able to meet the diverse expectations of the public while maintaining a privileged position within the country's main institutions. It is undoubtedly this ability to embody both accessibility and excellence that explains why Citroën has become the preferred brand of French presidents, a choice that has stood the test of time with elegance.