√Citroen unveils new logo ahead of switch to electric cars by 2030

The 103-year-old carmaker’s new identity has been inspired by its original logo design, with the French brand looking ahead to an all-electric future by the end of the decade.

Citroen has revealed the design of its new logo, set to take pride of place on the French car-maker’s new models from the middle of 2023.

The 10th logo design in the 103-year history of the French company, Citroen’s new emblem draws inspiration from the brand’s first ‘double chevron’ badge from 1919.

It’s said to be inspired by the chevron-shaped ‘herringbone’ gear systems made by Citroen founder Andre Citroen’s first company, a metalworking firm in the early 20th century.

In a media statement, Citroen says the new logo will debut on a “significant conceptual family vehicle” later this month before being used on production and concept vehicles from mid-2023.

A new company motto has been also adopted – “Nothing Moves Us Like Citroen” – which will be used on the grille of an upcoming concept from the car-maker.

In 2021, Citroen’s French parent company – PSA Group, which also owns Peugeot – merged with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles to form Stellantis, a conglomerate in control of 16 car brands.

By 2030, Stellantis is aiming for electric cars to account for 100 per cent of its European sales and 50 per cent of sales in North America.

The Citroen brand plans to go fully electric in Europe by 2030, and currently offers five electric cars in its global model line-up – the e-C4, e-C4 X, Ami, e-Spacetourer and e-Berlingo – although none are sold in Australia.

“As we embark on probably the most exciting chapter in our illustrious 103-year history, the time is right for Citroen to adopt a modern and contemporary new look,” said Citroen CEO Vincent Cobée.

“Our new identity is an elegant symbol of progress as we move our customers physically in daring, forward-looking vehicles that challenge traditional industry rules, and emotionally by ensuring their entire experience – particularly going electric – is more affordable, comfortable and enjoyable whatever their wants and needs.”

In 2021, Citroen Australia sales were down 13.8 per cent compared to 2020, reporting 175 vehicles – despite overall new-car sales in Australia increasing by 14.5 per cent.

From January until August 2022, Citroen’s Australian new-car sales increased by 123.9 per cent compared to the same period in 2021, with the French company reporting 197 vehicles as sold – up from 88.

The Citroen C4 has accounted for a majority of the company’s local sales this year, with the 79 examples sold putting the small SUV ahead of the C3 city car (67 examples) and C5 Aircross medium SUV (51 examples).

Despite the year-on-year increase, Citroen is one of the lowest-selling automotive brands in Australia – sitting ahead of low-volume premium car-makers such as Bentley, Ferrari, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, Lotus, McLaren and Rolls-Royce on the new-car sales charts.

As previously reported, the new Citroen C5 X is due in Australian showrooms from next month. Pricing for the new model is yet to be confirmed.

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