Electric 2CV returns as affordable urban car

The electric version of the 2CV, a classic French car known for its simplicity and charm, is set to return as a flagship model in Stellantis' new range of affordable urban vehicles. Priced around 15,000 euros, the car is expected to be a modern take on the iconic model, though details about its final design and features will be revealed in two years.

Production location remains unclear

Citroën CEO Xavier Chardon mentioned during an interview on BFM Business that the electric 2CV would be made in Europe, but he did not specify the exact location. He emphasized that the final model would closely resemble the concept car presented and that more details would be shared in the future.

Platform built in Italy with Chinese collaboration

An official statement from Stellantis in May confirmed that the E-Car platform, which forms the basis of the electric 2CV, is being built at the Pomigliano d'Arco plant in Italy. This was confirmed at the Paris Motor Show by Ned Curic, director of technology at Stellantis. The platform is based on the Leapmotor T03, a Chinese city car, with Chinese engineers helping adapt it for European use.

Shift in French automotive manufacturing

The move to produce the 2CV in Italy instead of its traditional French home, Levallois-Perret, reflects a larger trend in the French automotive industry. Over 90% of Citroën's passenger vehicles are now made outside France, with models like the C3 assembled in Slovakia and the Ami city car produced in Morocco.

Broader trend across French automakers

This shift is not unique to Citroën. Other French brands under Stellantis, such as Peugeot, have also moved production abroad. The Peugeot 208 is now fully assembled in Spain and Morocco, while Renault's Clio is entirely produced in Turkey. These changes highlight a significant transformation in the European automotive landscape.

Global production vs. French stagnation

At the Stellantis group level, nearly 90% of its global production occurs outside France, with around 6 million vehicles made annually. In contrast, production in France has remained between 590,000 and 660,000 units per year. This stands in sharp contrast to the original 2CV, which was largely produced in France during its long production run from 1948 to 1990.