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 to launch two new cars to the UK at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (GFoS)

• New Citroën C4 Cactus & New Citroën C1 make their UK premieres at 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed
• Both models will be displayed on Citroën’s main exhibition stand throughout the Festival period
• Special C4 Cactus Airbump®-themed activity for guests to enjoy
• The 80^th anniversary of the Traction Avant is marked with a car on display in the Moving Motor Show area from Thursday to Sunday

The bold New Citroën C1 and sensational New C4 Cactus – the latest additions to Citroën’s revitalised range – will make their UK premieres at the 2014 Goodwood Festival of Speed. During the show, visitors will be able to get up close with both models and even interact with Citroën’s unique Airbump® technology. There will also be an Airbump®-themed activity for guests to enjoy.

On sale in the UK from October, the New Citroën C4 Cactus signals the brand’s bold response to the changing needs of today’s car owners, offering a real alternative to the traditional compact hatchback with a fresh and distinctive approach.

Visually striking, the New Citroën C4 Cactus stands out from the crowd with its concept car looks, crossover styling cues and customisable options, including a range of colours for the all-new Airbump® panels. Simplicity and efficiency combine with practicality and low ownership costs in a unique blend of form and function, to offer more of what really counts.

Powered by the latest generation PureTech and BlueHDi engines, fuel economy is up to 91.1mpg with CO₂emissions from just 82g/km and overall running costs 20% lower than the benchmark in the compact hatchback segment.

Launching on 1 July, the New Citroën C1 is the latest generation of the popular city car that has sold more than 760,000 examples worldwide since launch in 2005. 

With a cheerful personality, attractive styling and useful technologies, the New Citroën C1 delivers an upbeat response to urban mobility requirements. The new version is available in both three and five-door versions, as a hatchback, or as a new open-top body style, named Airscape.

Amongst the best-in-class for fuel economy, with up to 74.3mpg on a combined cycle and just 88g/km CO₂, the New C1 will be priced from just £8,245 to £11,935.

In April 1934, Citroën unveiled a car that would go on to make motoring history with a series of innovations including front-wheel-drive or Traction Avant in French, which was a ground-breaking development in its time. Citroën is celebrating 80 years of the Traction Avant in 2014 with a show car on display in the Moving Motor Show pavilion from Thursday 26 to Sunday 29 June.

The Goodwood Festival of Speed is the biggest motoring event in the UK and a highlight on the global automotive calendar. Citroën has been part of the event since it began in 1993. With two UK premieres, 2014 is set to be a very special year for the brand.