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1980 - 1989

1980 - 1989

The Company in 1989

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    Xm : 1989-2000
    production : 333.405

  • Citroën inaugurates state-of-the-art production facilities for the launch of the XM saloon and introduces a company-wide training programme. The significance of the XM is reflected in the size of the investments: FF7.5 billion, including FF1.2 billion in R&D costs. The XM final assembly plant at Rennes-La Janais is totally refurbished. A new facility is opened for offline assembly operations that improve reliability and productivity. The bodywork assembly shop is fully automated and "clean rooms" are introduced into the paint shop to eliminate dust and ensure total quality of primers, paint and varnish.

  • The exhibition XM'Art offers a selection of contemporary art works based on the theme of the motor car in general and the XM in particular. Opened in Paris in May, the show will travel throughout Europe.
  • At the Frankfurt Motor Show Citroën turns the spotlight on the XM, which is displayed on an avant-garde stand with a centre-piece representing movement into the future.

  • A joint Citroën-Mazda distribution network is launched in Japan. Known as Eunos, the network will distribute top-range Mazda and Citroën vehicles, adapted to meet Japanese standards before leaving France.

  • Guy Fréquelin is appointed to head Citroën Sport, formerly Citroën Compétitions. Christine Driano wins the 1989 French rally championship at the wheel of a Group A AX for the second year running. Maurice Chomat takes the French off-road rally championship.

  • Annual production : 905 118 vehicles.

The models in 1989

  • The BX 4x4 and the BX 4x4 Evasion are launched in February. The four-wheel drive model is fitted with three differentials: front, central with electronic locking, and a limited-slip differential at the rear. Both models are equipped with a l,905 cm3 four cylinder powerplant developing 107 bhp at 6,000 rpm with torque of 16.6 mkg at 3,000 rpm. A third model, powered by the BX 19 GTI engine (125 bhp at 5,500 rpm), is brought to market in July.

  • In May, the new luxury saloon, the Citroën XM is launched. For the first time ever, a production car is fitted with hydractive suspension - a system combining the intelligence of electronic sensing with the flexibility of hydraulic power. The XM opens a new chapter in the top-range story: a combination of driving pleasure and active safety. Launched in three versions and with a diesel engine in October - this Bertone-designed squareback saloon is currently available in eight versions, with three levels of equipment and five engine options. The range comprises 3 petrol versions (4-cylinder 2-litre carburettor, 115 bhp at 5,800 rpm -193 km/h; 4-cylinder 2-litre injection, 130 bhp at 5,600 rpm - 205 km/h; 6-cylinder 3-litre injection, 170 bhp at 5,600 rpm - 222 km/h); and two 4-cylinder diesel engines with three valves per cylinder (normally aspirated 2.1 litres, 83 bhp at 4,600 rpm, 176 km/h; turbocharged 2.1 litres, 110 bhp at 4,300 rpm-192 km/h).

  • The BX 19 TGS is launched in December (1,905 cm3 engine, 9 or 7 bhp fiscal rating). The entire BX range is upgraded and renamed. Five special editions are introduced: the AX and BX Tonic, AX Air France Madame, and the AX and BX Image.


In the news in 1989


  • The winds of change blow through Eastern Europe: on November 10, the Berlin Wall comes down and thousands of East Germans take their first look at the west.
  • Just before his death, Ayatollah Khomeini condemns British author Salman Rushdie to death for the book The Satanic Verses.
  • As part of the celebrations to mark the bicentenary of the French Revolution, Paris inaugurates three new monuments: the Grand Arch, the Louvre Pyramid and the Bastille opera house.
  • In 1989, we said goodbye to Salvador Dali, Sergio Leone, Irving Berlin, Bette Davis, Graham Chapman and John Cassavetes.

< Year 1988  |  Year 1990 >

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