Citroen unveiled a concept electric car styled after its iconic 2CV at the Paris Motor Show, signalling the French automaker's plan to bring a production version to showrooms by 2028. The new model targets a price below £15,000 and combines the original's distinctive design elements, high wheel arches, tall roof and eye-like headlights, with modern electric powertrain technology.
The revival reflects a broader strategy among European carmakers to leverage heritage brands as they compete against Chinese EV manufacturers. Renault has led this trend with electric versions of the Renault 5, Renault 4 and Twingo. VW offers the ID-Buzz minivan, styled after the classic T2 Transporter, while Ford is developing a new EV expected to carry the Fiesta nameplate.
Citroen chief executive Xavier Chardon called the new 2CV "a modern, ingenious and refreshing response to the mobility challenges of tomorrow." The original 2CV debuted in 1948 as an affordable, durable vehicle for European farmers and rural communities. Its robust design remained in production for over 40 years and evolved into a cult classic favoured by counter-culture movements.
Rachel Burgess, senior editor of Autocar magazine, sees strategic merit in the approach. "It's a brilliant differentiator from all-new car brands," she says. "An older audience might remember the originals and feel warmly towards them, and a younger audience might find an appeal in the retro aspect."
David Leggett, automotive editor at Global Data, notes that European manufacturers face "a very serious existential threat from aggressive Chinese manufacturers." Heritage-focused design offers one defensive weapon in a crowded market.
Dr Paul Nieuwenhuis, automotive researcher and author, argues the strategy addresses a competitive gap. "In a world where a wave of credible decent quality Chinese EVs are hitting Europe, linking European designs back to their history while using the latest powertrain technology is something the Chinese cannot do," he says. "The Chinese can establish new design trends, but there is limited history there."
Leggett cautions, however, that nostalgia alone will not guarantee success. The car "needs to be a credible modern electric car in terms of functionality and features, with widespread appeal," he says, alongside visual homage to its ancestor and pricing simplicity.