"Trophée féminin"
The Company in 1984
- In Romania, the Oltcit factory in Craiova comes on line, in accordance with the Franco-Romanian agreement of 1976. This modern industrial complex has a production capacity of 130,000 vehicles a year.
- In April, the machining and assembly of GSA engines is transferred from Nanterre to the more modern workshops of the Vigo and Orense factories in Spain. Nanterre's pressure die-casting operation is also transferred to the provinces.
- In collaboration with Total and Michelin, Citroën runs the "Trophée Féminin": 6,000 entrants take a selection test and 11 are chosen to run in six events. Sylvie Seignobeaux and Christine Driano become "works drivers" for the 1985 season.
- At the Clichy factory, production-scale experiments are carried out using the "lost foam" casting process. More than 200 Quality Circles are in operation at the different Citroën plants.
- Annual production : 551 691 vehicles.
The models in 1984
- March sees the launch of the Visa Diesel with the modern high-performance XUD engine: 1,769 cm3, 4 cylinders in-line, 60 bhp DIN at 4,600 rpm, 5 bhp, 152 km/h, 4.3 litres/100 km at 90 km. Performance rivals the petrol versions.
Axel : 1984-1988
production : 47.009
- In July, the Axel arrives from Romania, where it is built in Craiova. It offers a choice of two GSA-based engines. It is a strong, functional car, easy to maintain and with good roadholding. The 2-box, 3-door, 5-seat car is offered in five versions: three passenger car models and two fleet versions. A total 19,129 examples of the Axel are produced between July 1984 and 1 January 1985.
Zoom
C15 : since 1984
- October brings the Cl5E and the Cl5D, two light vans based on the Visa, and with a 570 kg payload. Their proven components and remarkable performance make them an immediate success. C l5E: 1,124 cm3 engine, 47 bhp at 5,750 rpm, 6 bhp, 125 km/h. Cl5D: 1,769 cm3 diesel, 60 bhp at 4,600 rpm, 7 bhp, 133 km/h.
- October also brings the CX 25 GTI Turbo, a car with a 2,500 cm3 turbocharged fuel-injected engine, developing 168 bhp and reaching a speed of 220 km/h. This performance makes it one of the fastest cars in its class.
In the news in 1984
- The independence movement in New Caledonia starts to make its voice heard.
- Indira Gandhi is assassinated. Her son Rajiv Gandhi succeeds her.
- An exhibition in the Grand Palais in Paris commemorates 100 years of French motoring.
- Marguerite Duras publishes The Lover.