Citroën's Bold Concept Cars at Rétromobile 2026

Citroën makes its big comeback to Rétromobile with a 512 m² stand dedicated to concept-cars. The automaker is unveiling for the first time in France the ELO concept, a 4.10-meter electric minivan that can accommodate six people. Alongside this newcomer, historic prototypes like the 1939 2CV A and the 1980 Karin showcase 50 years of creative boldness.

"It's one of only three authentic prototypes in the world of the Traction Avant 15-6 Cabriolet" — Club La Traction Universelle

The ELO Concept Makes Its French Debut

Citroën picks the 50th edition of Rétromobile to reveal its ELO concept to the French public. This vision of an electric minivan measures 4.10 meters long yet can seat up to six people thanks to unprecedented modularity. The 100% electric architecture frees up interior space and delivers unmatched usage flexibility.

The vehicle's design draws from the brand's creative heritage. The central driver's seat and the 180° panoramic windshield echo the boldness of the Karin from 1980. This setup guarantees optimal visibility and facilitates interaction with passengers.

Source : https://fr.motor1.com/news/785865/citroen-concept-cars-passes-retromobile-2026/

The ELO adapts to every use case: daily commuting, remote work, leisure, and relaxation. This flexible approach carries on the legacy of the Xanae (1994), the trailblazing family minivan designed for sharing.

Rare Historic Prototypes

The stand showcases several concept-cars that became iconic. The 2CV A from 1939 ranks among the four surviving examples from the first series, fully restored. This prototype testifies to Citroën innovation even before World War II.

The C10 from 1956 catches the eye with its teardrop shape and aerodynamics inspired by aircraft design. This bold prototype already hinted at research into energy efficiency.

The Karin from 1980 impresses with its pyramidal geometry and central driving position featuring a joystick-inspired futuristic interface. Forty-six years later, its ideas resurface in the ELO.

Source : https://www.autoplus.fr/salon/retromobile/retromobile-2026-citroen-expose-une-collection-de-concept-cars-1422067.html

An Exceptional Traction Avant

The La Traction Universelle club presents the unique red Traction Avant 15-6 Cabriolet from 1939. This exceptional model had only three authentic prototypes worldwide. Its presence pays homage to fifty years of Citroën's loyalty to Rétromobile—it was already on display at the first edition in 1976.

This Traction 6-cylinder represents the technical pinnacle of the revolutionary front-wheel drive launched in 1934. Its rarity makes it one of the salon's most precious pieces.

When Will We See the ELO in Production?

Citroën presents the ELO as a ideas lab rather than an imminent production project. The automaker has communicated no commercialization timeline for this concept. However, the technologies and interior solutions developed could inspire future models in the lineup, particularly in the electric minivan segment.

Creative Heritage Lives On

The exhibition also brings together the Activa 1, the Xanae, and the C-Cactus, testifying to the brand's constant innovation. These prototypes often previewed technologies later adopted in production, from Hydractive 3 suspension to recycled materials.

The Citroën stand (F085) is located in Pavilion 7.2 of the Porte de Versailles Exhibition Park. Clubs of L'Aventure Citroën round out this presentation at stand M077 in Pavilion 7.1, offering a complete overview of the heritage of the Citroën brand.

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