Future Citroën: No, the December surprise is not a new 2CV

Illustration of the Oli concept

As announced in early September by Xavier Chardon, the brand's new CEO, a "surprise" from Citroën is expected this December. Far from being just another new model, this Paris event will unveil a true vision for the manufacturer's future. A vision that, according to initial statements, will extend far beyond cars to redefine the contours of tomorrow's mobility—a field where Citroën has always excelled at breaking the mold.

The anticipated return of the people's car: an opportunity for Citroën?

It's a widely shared observation across the industry: the European automotive market is struggling to regain its pre-pandemic momentum. A major reason for this is the near disappearance of affordable cars. As Xavier Chardon pointed out, approximately one million cars priced under €15,000 have vanished from the market, leaving many consumers without access to new, accessible mobility solutions. In response to this challenge, automakers and the European Commission are actively considering the creation of a new category of simpler, less expensive electric vehicles.

This is precisely the territory where Citroën built its legend: that of the essential and ingenious car. The December surprise could therefore logically take the form of a concept car heralding a mobility solution positioned between the revolutionary Ami and the new C3. For several years, the brand's teams have been working on projects aimed at democratizing electric mobility. Citroën could thus arrive with a strong proposal, not by reviving the style of the iconic 2CV, but by drawing inspiration from its original philosophy. Xavier Chardon confirmed that the "DNA and spirit" of the 2CV is something "we want to inject into our future cars." He recalled that the original model represented "the first experience of access to individual mobility and freedom," and that it was the brand's duty to "reinvent that type of freedom between 2026 and 2030."

Xavier Chardon's vision: innovation and strategic focus

Since taking the helm at Citroën, Xavier Chardon has emphasized the brand's ability to remain a "true innovator." The most striking example is the Ami, a unique mobility object that successfully created its own market. This culture of innovation is at the heart of the vision he will present in December. While there may have been some confusion about the brand's strategy in the past, the new CEO intends to clarify its direction by focusing on Citroën's core strengths.

The manufacturer's main offering will remain centered on the B and C segments—that is, superminis like the C3 and compact cars and SUVs like the C4 and C5 Aircross family. However, the potential emergence of this new category of affordable electric cars, comparable to Japanese "kei cars," represents a "strong opportunity" that Citroën is determined to seize. For Chardon, it is a chance to "reconnect with those who cannot buy new cars." He sees this proposal as a logical solution to rejuvenate Europe's aging car fleet and thereby accelerate the reduction of CO₂ emissions. This is a natural territory for Citroën, which has a long history of excellence in this area with models like the C1.

Towards a new era for Citroën?

After a complete renewal of its range in just two years, with the successive launches of the new C3, C3 Aircross, and the updated C5 Aircross, one might have expected a quiet period for Citroën. This is far from the case. The brand with the chevrons seems more determined than ever to build on its momentum and assert its distinctiveness.

Five years after surprising the world with the Ami, Citroën may well be on the verge of sparking another revolution in the mobility landscape. The December event will not just be about presenting a future design; it will be the formalization of a bold strategy to make freedom of movement accessible to everyone once again, with simple, sustainable, and cheerful solutions. It is a promise that is true to over 100 years of history and resolutely focused on the future.