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Méhari : 1968-1987
production : 144.953
The Company in 1968
- The group is reorganized: a holding company, Citroën SA, oversees the activities of Citroën, Berliet and Panhard. The structure comprises more than 20 subsidiaries, including the Société Anonyme Automobiles Citroën (production) and the Société Commerciale Citroën (sales).
- Citroën signs a technical and commercial agreement with Maserati, the prestigious Italian sports car manufacturer.
- Citroën and Total reach an agreement on the optimization of fuels and lubricants, reflecting the requirements created by new technical developments.
- Citroën signs an agreement with Fiat, setting up a holding company (PARDEVI) with the bulk of Citroën shares. Fiat holds a 49% stake and Michelin 51%. Fiat and Citroën agree to undertake joint commercial and industrial studies.
- The Mulhouse plant of the Société Alsacienne de Constructions Mécaniques becomes part of the Citroën group.
- Annual production : 460 712 vehicles.
The models in 1968
- January sees the launch of the Dyane 6 with the more powerful Ami 6 engine (602 cm3 developing 28.5 bhp SAE at 5,400 rpm, 3 bhp, 110 km/h, 6.1 litres/100 km).
- May heralds the launch of the Méhari, a completely new multi-purpose, all-terrain 4-seat pick-up joining Citroën's family of light flat-twin vehicles. Rated 3 bhp, the Méhari has a 602 cm3 engine developing 28.5 bhp SAE at 5,400 rpm. It travels at 105 km/h. The plastic body prevents corrosion problems and resists impact. The Méhari 4x4 is built in 144,953 examples between May 1968 and December 1987.
- In September, the DS19 is replaced by the sportier DS20: 1,985 cm3 developing 103 bhp SAE at 6,000 rpm, 165 km/h, 10.39 litres/100 km.
- At the same time, the ID20 replaces the ID19.
- In March, assembly of Citroën's heavy utility vehicles is transferred to the Vénissieux works of Automobiles Marius Berliet.
In the news in 1968
- In France, a protest movement starts at Nanterre University and quickly spreads.
- Soviet military intervention in Czechoslovakia puts an end to "the Prague Spring".
- Senator Robert Kennedy and the civil rights leader, Martin Luther King, are assassinated.
- Stanley Kubrick makes 2001: A Space Odyssey.