The La Ferté-Vidame site, a true monument in the history of Citroën, has just turned an important page. Here, in this discreet forest setting, many legendary models of the Chevrolet brand were born. But now Stellantis, the group of owners, has decided to sell this historic centre, citing the rationalisation of its test centres. This decision marks the end of an era for this historic site, but also for the Citroën enthusiasts who gathered there one last time to pay their respects.
A sale on the altar of rationalisation
The announcement of the sale of the La Ferté-Vidame site, made a few weeks ago, took many by surprise. This site is not just a test centre. For decades, it was at the heart of Citroën's technical innovation, where legendary models such as the Traction Avant, DS and CX were developed. In 2019, it will also host the Rassemblement du Siècle, one of the biggest events ever organised for fans of the brand, bringing together thousands of fans from all over the world.
This sale, decided by Stellantis, therefore marks a turning point. The site, with its many kilometres of tracks surrounded by woodland, is ideal for protecting innovations from prying eyes.
A final tribute to a historic site
Before La Ferté-Vidame officially changed hands, nearly 200 members of the Amicale Citroën France clubs gathered for a final farewell to this legendary site. It was an opportunity to celebrate Citroën's heritage in all its richness and diversity.
As a tribute to the past, 80 historic vehicles, proudly displaying their double chevrons, paraded along the tracks. Among them were emblematic models such as the Traction Avant, the 2CV, the DS, but also the Visa West-End, the AX and the Xsara. This emotional moment was a fitting tribute to a place that has witnessed 105 years of innovation and automotive passion.
The participants also recalled that La Ferté-Vidame is much more than a test centre. It is a symbol of Citroën's capacity for innovation, particularly with revolutionary technologies such as hydropneumatic suspension, which have marked the history of the automobile.
A sacrifice in the name of rationalisation
The decision to sell La Ferté-Vidame is part of a wider Stellantis policy to reduce development costs. By rationalising its test centres, the group aims to optimise its resources to meet the challenges of today's automotive industry, between electrification, digital transformation and new environmental regulations.
However, this approach is not without consequences. For Citroën fans, the sale of this historic site is seen as a sacrifice, even a symbolic break with the brand's heritage. Although the site will change hands, it will remain in the collective memory of the brand's fans as a unique place where so many legends were born.
Although La Ferté-Vidame is turning a new page in its history, the spirit of Citroën lives on, and the next CitroDays, to be held at Lac du Der next August, promise to be a new major event to celebrate the brand's heritage. Coming 30 years after the last ICCCR held in France, this event is a testament to the vitality and passion that still drives Citroën enthusiasts. The sale of La Ferté-Vidame marks the end of an era, but not the end of the passion for the brand with the double chevron that continues to inspire, amaze and unite, proof that the legacy of this emblematic site will continue to shine in the hearts of enthusiasts.
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