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The visionary
André Citroën believes that the automobile will be one of the main developments of the 20th century, and he wants to take part in shaping the process...
Admiring the progress made in the United States, he wants his country to enjoy the same benefits. He is constantly on the look-out for technical innovation. If an idea is sound, no price is too high.
He is the first to realize that a car is more than just a means of transportation. A company that sells a car also sells a service: assistance, maintenance, repairs, financing, etc.
As part of this global vision, he creates: - the first credit company for industry.
- the first dealers' network.
- the first spare-parts catalogue.
- an after-sales service, a one-year warranty and a free service after running-in.
- the first European consumer credit company: Socav.
- the first road accident prevention service.
- the first road signs, carrying the logo of the double chevron.
He builds the first light utility vehicles: delivery vehicles, and multi-purpose vehicles for business and leisure.
He sets up a taxi company and a bus company. He even opens his own car insurance company! All these innovations are to have a profound effect on lifestyles. 
André Citroën and President Lebrun during the Motor Show in 1932
André Citroën's love of children - he has four of his own - leads him to create the first factory making miniature cars. Soon the first Citroën toy catalogue is issued.
A man with an inquisitive mind, fascinated by his era, André Citroën is always to be seen in the right places. The main salon of Maxim's restaurant, the most popular meeting place for society, becomes his headquarters.
His boundless energy, clear thinking and innovative ideas, coupled with his outgoing manner and enthusiasm, form the basis for many friendships.
No advertising opportunity is too small for André Citroën. His unerring flair and flamboyant style - having his name in lights on the Eiffel Tower for example - take the world by storm. Dubbed the "French Ford" by American journalists, André Citroën is known around the world.
He is present at all the great events of his time. At his home, Presidents of the Republic rub shoulders with ministers and businessmen, Charlie Chaplin meets Tristand Bernard, and Joséphine Baker sings "I love two things: my country and Citroën". Other guests include Marshal Foch, the navigator Alain Gerbault and the actress Gaby Morlay... 
Crossing of the caterpillar vehicle
After Charles Lindbergh completes his historic flight across the Atlantic, guided by the lights of the Citroën advertisement on the Eiffel Tower, André Citroën invites him to tour his Javel factory.
But André Citroën is more than an exceptionally gifted communicator. He is also an adventurer at heart.
Faithful to his childhood dreams, inspired by the books of Jules Verne, he sends his half-tracks on a quest to conquer the Sahara, Africa and Asia. He keeps the whole world enthralled with reports of these transcontinental expeditions.