The Company in 1983
- A flexible manufacturing workshop begins operation inside the Meudon factory, using automation and advanced technology. Completely controlled by computer, it machines and checks prototype parts in small and medium series. The workshop operates round the clock and requires no manual assistance.
- The Mulhouse factory closes down. The old-fashioned layout of its workshops and its position in an urban area prevent it from adapting to modern requirements. The production of transmission joints is transferred to the Citroën factory at Caen and the Peugeot factory at La Rochelle.
- In accordance with the 1978 contract, a Citroën-designed factory at Zwickau-Mosel in East Germany comes into operation to manufacture constant-velocity joints. Of its production capacity of 800,000 joints a year, a third is to be used by Citroën.
- A new computerized production management system is adopted to manage customer orders, the aim being to cut vehicle delivery times.
- Annual production : 605 045 vehicles.
The models in 1983
- January sees the launch of the LNA Cannelle, based on the LNA 11E. The LNA Cannelle is a limited edition made in 2,000 examples.
- In February, the Visa Super E (1,124 cm3 engine) provides the basis for the Visa Convertible. The hood with its rear window can be folded back in full or in part.
- April heralds the arrival of the CX 25 RD Turbo and CX 25 TRD Turbo saloon and estate, powered by a new Citroën turbo-diesel engine: 4-cylinder in-line, 2,500 cm3, 95 bhp DIN at 3,700 rpm, 7 bhp, 5-speed gearbox, 174 km/h, 5.7 litres/100 km. With these versions, Citroën enters the European market for top-class long-distance touring cars.
- April also sees the launch of the limited edition 2CV "France 3", of which 2,000 are built.
- The 200 Visa "1000 Pistes" four-wheel drive gains homologation for Group B: 1,360 cm3, 112 bhp DIN at 6,800 rpm, torque 13 mkg DIN at 4,500 rpm, weight 850 kg.
In the news in 1983
- Lech Walesa, leader of the Polish Solidarity trade union, becomes the first workman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize.
- New techniques are developed for recording sound and information (laser disc).
- García Marquez receives the Nobel Prize for Literature.