Citroën Showcased at Rétromobile 2026

What a difference there was for the Citroën at Rétromobile this year!   While Citroën, Peugeot, and Alfa Romeo brands of Stellantis had a stronger corporate presence than ever before, Citroën, in particular, made a grand return with a massive display featuring their ELO MPV concept along with seven historic models:

1939 Traction Avant 15-6 Cabriolet — One of only three authentic prototypes in the world, it was exhibited during the very first Rétromobile in 1976.

2CV TPV (1939) — One of four surviving examples from the first series.

C 10 (1956) — The “water droplet” future small car, a passionate concept of André Lefebvre.

Karin (1980) — Trevor Fiore’s futuristic pyramid with a central driving position.

Activa 1 (1988) — A pioneering model featuring heads-up display and advanced hydropneumatic suspension.

Xanae (1994) — The visionary minivan with swiveling seats, designed for family conviviality.

C-Cactus (2007) — A precursor to eco-responsibility, utilizing recycled materials and sustainable design.

This stands in stark contrast to last year’s Rétromobile, where DS Automobiles took the limelight to celebrate 70 years of the DS, showcasing no less than ten versions. For 2026, DS Automobiles adopted a more austere approach, displaying the No. 8 Presidential limousine built for Emmanuel Macron alongside three other presidential cars:

one of the two 1972 presidential SM convertibles, bodied by Henri Chapron

the 1965 DS21 used by General de Gaulle.

the 1968 Presidential DS21 bodied by Henri Chapron.

The No8 Présidentielle (a 100% EV) was the only modern DS product on display.

With the No. 8 being the only modern DS product on display, it was wonderful to see the historic vehicles for their prestige, but it remains a shame that the three double chevron limousines are now dissociated from their Citroën heritage.

Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon articulated the brand’s position and strategy within Stellantis, which he believes will lead to viable sales.

Key to Citroën’s success are three focus areas he calls the “Three Cs”:

• Caring — Reconnecting with long-standing customers through a new department dedicated to customer satisfaction. They’re also working to re-establish dealer relations.
• Clever — Continuing to offer innovations in design that distinctly set Citroën apart from other brands.
• Creativity — Being the “out there” brand that provides different yet affordable vehicles appealing to a younger demographic that views mobility in a much different way.

The ELO concept gauges Citroën’s belief in the potential for a new MPV. Although the center driving position and sliding side doors without a B-pillar are for show, they address what Chardon sees as a waning SUV market that may embrace a more compact and versatile MPV.

Stellantis’s previous mandate for 100% electric offerings has now been relaxed, allowing for a mix of ICE, hybrid, and electric models in preferred markets. Chardon acknowledged that while the market is saturated with economical Chinese vehicles, Citroën is seriously considering a daring and innovative revival of the 2CV.

Citroën’s Ami electric has been a phenomenal success, with over 80,000 units sold to date, many getting youths excited about mobility. Remarkably, you can drive one at just 14 years of age!

Chardon also confirmed that there are no plans for Citroën to re-enter either the Canadian or U.S. markets. However, there could be a workaround if you desire the Ami experience in the U.S.

Chardon went on to point out that although Citroën no longer offers hydropneumatic suspension on any of its models, the new C5 Aircross provides an improved ride over its competitors with further tuned Progressive Hydraulic Cushions contributing to the Advanced Comfort® Suspension.

The marketing for Citroën was definitely youth directed as could be seen in their social media post about the show:

With Citroen’s strong presence at Rétromobile, some were still questioning if both it and the DS Automobiles brands will survive beyond May 21? That’s when current CEO Antonio Filosa is set to reveal a new strategic plan for all of Stellantis’ 14 brands at Investor Day 2026, to be held in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

As for the Rétromobile show itself this year there was 181,500 attendees compared to 144,000 last year. Even so, it seemed to have become a show window for the very rich and not so much for humble vintage car owners. One positive aspect is the new location. Now housed in a building with 3 floors, it was not too tiring to get back to something you want to see again.