Citroen revives the 2CV for an electric age
Citroen has unveiled a concept electric version of its iconic 2CV car at the Paris Motor Show. The company aims to leverage its heritage to compete with Chinese manufacturers in the electric vehicle market by 2028.
Why it matters
European automakers are increasingly using nostalgia and brand heritage as a strategic differentiator against rising competition from Chinese EV brands.
Image source, Stellantis By Theo Leggett International Business Correspondent Published 11 October 2026 French carmaker Citroen has brought back its 2CV brand in a bid to boost sales of electric cars in a difficult market.
The new model, unveiled at the Paris Motor Show, is a small city runabout with retro styling which harks back to one of the company's most famous designs.
As a "concept car" intended to show Citroen's direction of travel, it is not yet ready to go on sale but the plan is to have a version in showrooms by 2028.
As they face mounting competition from Chinese manufacturers, Citroen and other European brands are exploiting their heritage as a means of selling modern motors.
Citroen chief executive Xavier Chardon described the new car as "a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow".
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2 other newsrooms covered this event. We read each version separately.
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