Is Citroën planning a surprise for December?

Before his departure, former Citroën CEO Thierry Koskas tantalized us with hints of a new concept car in the works. Now, his successor, Xavier Chardon, in his first interview since taking the helm, seems to be confirming this direction, setting a date for December. Could this be the imminent unveiling of the much-anticipated concept? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: Citroën is back in the spotlight.

A Battered but Resilient Brand

I must admit, recent months have been a rollercoaster for us Citroën enthusiasts. The brand has been shaken by issues that have tarnished its reputation, particularly the problems with the Puretech engines and the Takata airbag scandal. In an interview with Le Figaro, Xavier Chardon doesn't shy away from the truth: "The brand has been battered. We need to restore the trust of our customers, our teams, and our dealerships." These are strong words, demonstrating a necessary awareness of the situation. He acknowledges that the handling of these crises may have been clumsy, but assures that solutions are being implemented, especially for customers affected by the faulty airbags. However, it's important to remember that, at the same time, Citroën has managed to almost completely renew its lineup. With the exception of the C5 X, all models have been recently updated, offering a clearer and more coherent range. A dealer quoted in the article even points out that "the positioning is much clearer today." The brand is therefore embarking on a phase of reconquest, of reconnecting with its customers and its network. The goal is not only to restore trust but also, as Xavier Chardon announces, to "continue to offer new solutions."

Are we heading towards a new mobility revolution?

Citroën is expected to lead the way. The brand with the chevrons has a history of remarkable achievements and innovations that have shaped the automotive industry. Today, a new challenge presents itself that takes on particular resonance in light of current European events. The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, recently urged manufacturers to address the lack of affordable, small electric cars, a niche currently virtually unoccupied. This strong stance echoes the views of influential figures in the industry, such as Jean-Philippe Imparato, the CEO of Alfa Romeo, who has also advocated for the creation of such a segment.

We can all agree that offering an affordable electrified A-segment car (whether hybrid or fully electric) represents an immense industrial challenge. Above all, however, it has become a real necessity at a time when affordable cars are becoming increasingly rare and expensive. The question therefore arises naturally: could Citroën's proposal in December be a response to this call from the market and institutions?

Such an announcement would be highly relevant. Looking at the current range, there is an obvious gap between the Ami micro-mobility solution and the new ë-C3. A small, agile and efficient urban car priced around €15,000 would perfectly fill this gap. Of course, nothing is official yet and we should remain cautious. We will therefore have to wait until December to find out what the brand has in store for us. However, such a scenario would be both logical and perfectly faithful to Citroën's popular and innovative vocation.

Citroën has never needed to prove its audacity. It is an integral part of its DNA. From the Traction Avant to the 2 CV, and the iconic DS, the brand has always known how to innovate, surprise, and break new ground. More recently, the Ami and the Oli concept have shown that this innovative spirit is still very much alive. While other manufacturers are content to follow trends, Citroën seems determined to continue creating its own. Will the December event be an opportunity to once again witness the brand's ability to reinvent itself and offer mobility solutions that meet the challenges of our time? I, for one, am eager to find out, and I'm sure you are too.