Citroen CEO Linda Jackson announces that the brand will début Mehari-inspired concept based on the Cactus.

Citroen will preview a potential new model inspired by its iconic Mehari utility vehicle at the Frankfurt auto show next month. The concept will be based on the C4 Cactus compact.

In a statement, Citroen said the concept was a "fresh and invigorating" version of the C4 Cactus that "revisits the spirit of the legendary Mehari.”

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Citroen CEO Linda Jackson told Automotive News Europe in June that the company was mulling a revival of the open-top Mehari sold between 1968 and 1987.

Jackson has previously said that the C4 Cactus will influence future models in the brand's lineup. The distinctive car, which went on sale last year, has underlined Citroen's intent to be the fun brand in PSA/Peugeot-Citroen's lineup.

Citroen built 150,000 Meharis. It was bought by holidaymakers as a beach buggy and by farmers who used it to get around their fields. The Mehari was also used by the French army, which found its thermoplastic body made it light enough to drop by parachute from an airplane.

The original Mehari was based on the 2CV, another iconic Citroen car, but the brand has ruled out reviving this model.

Citroen's Frankfurt concept could preview an electric Mehari EV built alongside the Bollore Bluesummer convertible electric car.

Autocar reported that Citroen recently applied for the trademark on the e-Mehari name, suggesting the car could have an electric or hybrid powertrain.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen will start building next month the Bluesummer at its factory in Rennes, western France.

Vincent Bollore, who heads the Bollore industrial group that developed the Bluesummer, has previously talked about the vehicle as a "beach car" in the vein of Mehari.

The Bluesummer will cost less than 20,000 euros and will be sold through Citroen dealerships.

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SPAIN - Citroen celebrates the world of film and the the use of its cars in movies.

• A look at some of the most outstanding 'cameos' of Citroen vehicles in films of all kinds, from Sor Citroën to 007 or Tintin
Throughout its history, Citroën has been characterized by its distinctive and revolutionary spirit that has led to icons like the 2CV, the Citroën XM or BX or the latest Citroën C4 Cactus. Legendary models that have enjoyed film appearances as we remember below.
Sor Citroen (Pedro Lazaga - 1967)

For several years, Sister Citroën was more than the title of a film, it was a cultural reference in the popular imagination. In this work, Gracita Morales brings to life the sister Tomasa; nun newcomer to a community which runs an orphanage. 

Sister Tomasa is responsible for obtaining a driving license with the aim of providing transportation for the girls centro. Driving a 2CV, the character played by that nickname Gracita Morales wins.

'Sister Citroën' is described as white but over the years has attracted some controversy due to the image conveyed in due course on the role of women comedy. Beyond this, the presence of 2 CV as the linchpin of the film and the presence of the brand in the title demonstrates the importance of this model for the car's history, being one of the leaders for decades.

For Your Eyes Only (John Glen - 1981)

Over 2 CV, in this case as car 'Bond'. The 2CV featured in this film of a 007, embodied here by Roger Moore.Citroen 2 CV in yellow serves the most famous secret agent to carry out a loophole that takes place in fiction at some point near Madrid (in reality, it was filmed in Greece).

For more curiosity for the premiere of 'For Your Eyes Only', Citroën launched a special edition of this model including 007 logo stickers on the body and simulating bullet holes, along with a miniature toy thereof special edition.

Ronin (John Frankenheimer - 1988)

One of American action movies with more French air. With a cast of stars like Robert De Niro and Jean Reno, the highlight of this film focuses on persecution Nice and Paris. 

The importance of the automobile in the films of Frankenheimer is total. The best example is Grand Prix (1966) on the Formula 1 races, and was a prodigy technical resources to record with the time-wheel racing with a high technical level.

The presence of cars in 'Ronin' is intense and the PSA Peugeot Citroen group has strong representation among which the Citroen XM: 'European Car of the Year' in 1990, was a sedan segment E of which sold more 300,000 units and in this film he gets to the orders of a director who recorded the persecution in real time and without post.

L'opération Corned-beef (Jean-Marie Poiré - 1991)

Halfway between a parody and homage to the French action movie of Hollywood, this film tells the mission of 'Jaws', captain of the French intelligence service country, in charge of "Operation schnitzel' (title which premiered in Spain). 

Also starring Jean Reno, the Citroen BX has a constant presence in this film but with a bitter fate, because after suffering all kinds of inclement just burning.

Citroen Tintin

The graphic series "The Adventures of Tintin ', the work of master Hergé is in addition to one of the greatest comics of all time an accurate portrayal of geopolitical tensions of his time and a photograph of the cultural and social reality. As such, the presence of the car in its volume is a constant. 

Hergé was a lover of cars and, as a result of this passion, there have been exhibitions on the theme or classic rallies that have appeared in these cartoons.

The meeting point between Citroen car Tintin and culminates with the presence of the Citroen 2CV in "The Calculus Affair" and its subsequent replication in Tintin animated series based on his comics. 

Curiously, the color which contains the 2 CV on the album was not commercially at the time, but eventually joining the range. Moreover, in the 1980s Hergé drew an advertising campaign for the brand.

Translated by Google - Apologies for any errors caused.

This years 2CV worldwide meeting will be help in Torun, Poland, with over 7000 cars expected to attend.

2CV enthusiasts will meet in Torun, Poland, on the occasion of the 21st World concentration of 2CV, from July 28 to August 2. Created in 1975, it is the largest concentration in the world dedicated to this model, in which more than 7,000 vehicles and 20,000 participants expected. For a week, the Polish city will vibrate to the rhythm of the legendary Citroen vehicle.

For this edition 2015, Toruń, the beautiful city in northern Poland, which will host all the fans of the Citroen 2CV. A unique gathering that annually attracts more people. 

The last two rallies, in 2011 in France and 2013 in Spain, which had already broken records this year is expected to exceed again. No less than 7,000 Citroen 2CV arrived from around the world will be present on the occasion of the 21st concentration in a festive and convivial environment.

Many enthusiasts, members of the 2 CV clubs or individuals attending the meeting to admire the different versions of the most charismatic car and also the best-selling brand (more than 5 million units manufactured in 42 years). A unique opportunity to exchange experiences around a common passion and living a few days the rhythm of the 2CV.

During the event, visitors will be invited to discover the museum ephemeral Citroen, where they will be exposed numerous models and photographs donated by the private Conservatory brand. Citroën collectors and members of the " Amicale Citroën Internationale "(ACI) also have the opportunity to participate in various competitions such as road racing, trials or competitions circuit assembly and disassembly of 2CV, reminiscent of his versatile character. Elegance contests, where the 2CV will face other mythical brand vehicles such as Ami 6, the Ami 8, the Dyane or Mehari will also be organized. 

This meeting is also a human adventure, since some collectors decide to travel together in their 2CV, the way to Poland from their countries of origin.Algunos of them continue their journey after the merger, due to an exceptional two-day rally , 2CV, organized for the participants.

Translated by Google - apologies for any errors caused.

PSA to develop its heritage activity, which is great news, as the brands made some seriously stunning cars.

At an extraordinary Central Works Council meeting today, PSA Peugeot Citroën unveiled plans to develop its Heritage activity. The plans were approved by 18 votes out of 19.

Heritage encompasses PSA Peugeot Citroën's rich history with its brands, products, industrial and technological expertise. It offers a way of preserving the past and showcasing the different facets of the Group's identity as well as those of the Peugeot, Citroën and DS brands worldwide.

All cars pictured are for illustrative purposes only and not to be assumed these will be utilised by PSA

Building on the existing L’Aventure Peugeot association, which was founded more than 30 years ago, and expanding its areas of focus to include the Group's two other brands, PSA Peugeot Citroën is breathing new life into its history and that of its brands by creating a new association called L'Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS.

The association will remain faithful to each brand's identity by continuing to organise special events for the general public and car enthusiasts alike under the L’Aventure Peugeot, Citroën Héritage and DS Collection banners.

Xavier Peugeot, current president of L’Aventure Peugeot and Head of Product Planning at Citroën, will continue to serve as President of the new association.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has demonstrated its commitment to the project by appointing two of its directors – Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the PSA Managing Board and Xavier Chéreau, Executive Vice President, Human Resources – to the association's Management Committee and endowing it with a multi-year, renewable grant.

The association, will have a dedicated team of employees who will centralise and coordinate the existing activities (L'Aventure Peugeot Collection de L'Aventure Automobile (CAAPY), Conservatoire Citroen and Fonds de Dotation Peugeot pour la momoire de l'histore Industrielle) with the goal of developing commercial activities in the heritage sector.

Commenting on the plans, Xavier Peugeot said: "By becoming L’ Aventure Peugeot Citroën DS, the association takes on a new dimension and opens up new avenues for the development of activities related to the history of the Group and its brands. I am extremely proud to continue my commitment to the association in its new format, which recognises the hard work put in up to now by all of our automotive enthusiasts."

Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën said: "After a difficult period, PSA is taking charge of its future thanks to our employees' endeavours and the disciplined rollout of the ‘Back in the Race’ plan. 

A brand's success lies in the strength of its history, so we must take care of our roots in order to build our future.  As an enthusiast for cars of the past, present and future, I am delighted to play a role in this ambitious project."

Citroen CEO, Linda Jackson, Hints that the Mehari Fun car could make a comeback !

Citroen is considering a revival of its iconic Mehari lightweight utility car to help give the brand a “fun” image, CEO Linda Jackson said.

Citroen built 150,000 units of the open-sided, canvas-roofed Mehari between 1968 and 1987. The car had a diverse customer base. It was used as a beach buggy by holidaymakers and by farmers to get around their fields. Its thermoplastic body also made it light enough for the French army to drop the car attached to a parachute from an airplane.

Jackson said Citroen’s new brand positioning is about selling cars that are fun and give people a happy feeling. “Maybe there is a place for the Mehari. It’s something we are considering,” Jackson told the Automotive News Europe Congress here on June 10.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen CEO Carlos Tavares wants to reduce the number of cars sold by the company as part of his turnaround strategy for the automaker. His Back in the Race business plan includes reducing the Citroen lineup to seven core models by 2022, down from 14 now.

Jackson said the future core models would be “silhouettes” from which different variants could be produced so a modern Mehari could be developed as a variant of a future subcompact car.

The Mahari was based on the 2CV, another Citroen car that has iconic status. Jackson said the 2CV will not be revived. “The 2CV had its day," she said, "but that's not now."

Nick Gibbs

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