A car born to pave the way.
When the first 2CV was unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1948, it fulfilled a simple ambition: to make mobility accessible to as many people as possible. Practical, robust, and designed for everyday use, it quickly became a companion to the French on holidays, commutes, and adventures.
But the history of Michelin and Citroën began long before the 2CV. In 1919, the first Citroën Type A rolled off the production line equipped with Michelin tyres. The two companies were already contributing to the birth of large-scale automobile production in France.
An industrial story like no other.
In 1934, Michelin stepped in to prevent the disappearance of the Citroën brand, taking control of the company from 1935 onwards.
This marked the beginning of a unique industrial adventure. For more than forty years, from 1935 to 1976, Citroën evolved under Michelin ownership. This period saw the creation of some of the most emblematic cars in French automotive history. The Traction Avant continued its development, followed by the 2CV in 1948 and the DS in 1955.
The story of Michelin and Citroën was therefore not built side by side. It was written together.
The return of a symbol.
With the 2CV Concept unveiled in 2026, Citroën is not aiming to replicate the past. The manufacturer is reinterpreting what made the original model strong: simplicity, accessibility, and ingenuity, all in the service of mobility adapted to today's needs.
Michelin tyres feature an exclusive chevron-patterned design. This detail creates a natural link between two histories that have intersected for more than a century.
A contemporary tyre design, inspired by heritage.
Michelin has designed a specific aesthetic that combines its 'Heritage' logo with Citroën's iconic chevrons in a simple and elegant graphic expression.
The script, inspired by hand-drawn strokes, evokes authenticity and the original design. The chevrons blend into a pattern and texture work that gives the tyre a strong identity. More than just a technical element, the tyre becomes a design object. A nod to the past that enriches the uniqueness of the vehicle and celebrates the shared history between Michelin and Citroën.
Born from a national survey on popular automobiles.
Michelin-Citroën timeline.
1919: The Citroën Type A, designed by André Citroën, becomes the first mass-produced French car. It is equipped with Michelin tyres and includes a spare wheel.
1934: Citroën faces financial difficulties. Michelin acts as the main creditor.
1935: Michelin takes control of Citroën and begins the brand's recovery.
1948: The Citroën 2CV is unveiled at the Paris Motor Show.
1955: Launch of the Citroën DS, another iconic vehicle developed during Michelin's ownership.
1976: Michelin divests Citroën as part of the creation of the PSA Group.
2026 : Presentation of the 100% electric Citroën 2CV Concept at the Paris Motor Show, equipped with Michelin tyres.
Everything you need to know about the new Citroën 2CV Concept
Get answers to your questions!
Citroën 2CV concept FAQs
The Citroën 2CV concept car is fitted with 205/45 R18 tyres. For the production model, three tyre sizes are currently planned: 195/65 R15, 195/60 R16 and 205/50 R17.
Overview
The new 2CV Concept does not just signify the return of an automotive icon. It also highlights a lesser-known story: for more than forty years, Michelin and Citroën worked together to shape some of the most remarkable vehicles in French automotive history. Today, this shared history continues to inspire the same vision: advancing mobility to make it ever more accessible, simpler, and more purposeful.
Photo credits: (c) Citroën, (c) Michelin archive photos
This article was created with the assistance of artificial intelligence, then reviewed and approved by Michelin teams.