Amicale Citroën Internationale (ACI) - bringing together the Citroen clubs of the world » France

CForum Citroën Meeting 12 June, 2011

Morten P Ruud, ACI Webmaster — Fri, 27 May 2011 07:16:17 +0000

CForum: The first Citroën forum to respond to the new image of the double chevrons. Created in 2007 by two young automotive designers, excited by innovation and the Citroën brand, CForum is entirely dedicated to the double chevrons. Bolstered by four years of experience, the forum has created a real community of more than 1100 members, devotees or not, old customers or new around one big idea: the Citroën brand. Keen on innovation and on the present style of the brand, CForum seeks, above all, to create human links between the different Citroën communities and to raise brand awareness through its constant innovation and its new language to make the automobile come to life in a different way. In this way, the new DS line of cars allows new customers of the brand to rediscover the rich history of the company. Thus CForum is really looking to the future with an eye on the present to correspond closely to the brand – by highlighting the new image of the brand introduced in 2009; and with a new website in line with the different official Citroën websites. Making its way bit by bit into the new media and the infinite possibility which is the internet and in the sprit of “Creative Technologie”, CForum was recently hired to test consumers’ opinions toward the latest sales software for the brand. Thus CForum has become a recognized forum which has gained the complete confidence of the brand.

As its content grows steadily richer, you will find there the universe of the brand: – Citroën news from around the world, world sales figures; the latest press releases; different scoops, information about upcoming projects, information about the present lineup of cars; information on older Citroën models. Nor will CForum hesitate to widen its scope by forming partnerships with different websites within the Citroën community, even those beyond the borders of France. In addition CForum has informed clubs which make up the Amicale Citroën of our events. Several members of CForum are, moreover, owners of Citroëns both new and old and are members of Citroën collector car clubs. With its site rich in information, photographs, videos and communication support, you will find the different models which make up the heritage of the brand. Our members, from the four corners of the earth, are proud to share their experience on the website of the Citroën models they own, whether it be a 2CV or the future DS5 which is not yet available.

Introduction to the Event

The first Citroën meeting of the Forum
In order to build on our community, and to share a convivial moment over the double chevrons, CForum has decided to organize its first Citroën get together. Fans of the double chevrons will have a the best opportunity to come and share, discover, and exchange ideas in a congenial atmosphere at an event totally devoted to the brand. CForum wishes to include the Citroën brand with this event in order to promote the image of the brand, its models and the latest news (notably the DS lineup) and above all the excitement that the brand brings together.

Date: Sunday June 12 2011.

This rally will take place around a whole day in an idyllic setting of Yvelines at the Chateau Saint-Germain en Laye and its grounds. It won’t be a day like any other and should delight fans and non-fans of the Citroën brand. We are in the process of preparing a rich program of different activities, each one with its own surprises to enrich this day which promises to be unforgettable. Throughout the day, there will be a contest to choose the most beautiful Citroën of the rally, the winner of which will receive a surprise for collectors.

Event link: http://c-forum.forumpro.fr/t2175-evenement-rassemblement-c-forum-dimanche-12-juin

EOTY 2011 – Newsletter from the organizers

Morten P Ruud, ACI Webmaster — Tue, 03 May 2011 22:11:03 +0000

The organizers of the 2CV World Meeting in Salbris, France July 2011 have released a newsletter containing the latest on this record-breaking event.

The 2CV World Meeting was elected ACI Event Of The Year by the ACI AGM in 2009.

Newsletters and other publications from the ACI EOTY organizers can be downloaded from the ACI web site

ACI signs agreement with 2CV 2011 organizers

S. Joest ACI Communications — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 20:13:39 +0000

On Saturday October 9 Didier Parjadis, President of the ACI and Christian Courte, head organizer of the World Meeting of the 2CV 2011 signed the agreement which finalized the funding for the 2CV World Meeting scheduled for 2011 in Salbris/France. The significance of this agreement cannot be understated. First, it represents the most comprehensive agreement yet signed between the ACI and organizers of an Event of The Year. As such, the agreement represents a big step toward providing solid guidelines for event organizers and thus guaranteeing the best possible events.

Members of the Board of the ACI had the opportunity to visit Salbris and look over the site and meet with the organizers. Both were very impressive. The 70 hectare site was provided free of charge by the town of Salbris. It has some out buildings, space for all the the facilities plus thousands of campsites and space for expansion plus additional parking for visitors. Aerial photographs of the site allowed organizers to look to every detail from logistics to security and everything in between.

The really impressive part from the Board’s point of view was the organization With nine sub-groups all areas of the organization were covered from entertainment to food services. It was very obvious that the organizers were committed to holding the best event they possibly could. Congratulations to the Christian Courte and his group for what promises to be the highlight of the 2011 driving season for 2CV aficionados.

Best Regards,
John McCulloch.

Time to remember: 75 years ago, André Citroën died

S. Joest ACI Communications — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 15:32:15 +0000

Many people know about the famous founder and genius André Citroën. But only a few realized that within 2010 now 75 years have passed that the world lost this outstanding man!

Time to remember, time to reflect: On 25-26 September 2010, the French “Automobile Club André Citroen” (www.club-a-citroen.fr) will celebrate a weekend related to this anniversary.

Since it is also the 150th anniversary of the famous 15th arrondissement, the Saturday will start off with an exhibition at the mayor’s place, a corso and Concours d’Elegance at Javel resp. Parc Andre Citroen will be held. Sunday 26th September will go on with a corso tour across Paris to the tomb of Andre Citroen at “cimetière Montparnasse” and to honor Mr. Citroen’s life, followed by a visit of the Conservatoire at Aulnay-Sous-Bois.

Inscriptions for participation are possible via the forms attached, resp via. the club website, or by email to acac@club-a-citroen.fr.

There are limited seats for a VIP part of this event – more details in the inscription form – and any applications must be filed before 15th August 2010.

The forms (please note that there is still a typo, it is 25-26 not 26-27 September of course):

2CV World Meeting 2011: Salbris awaits the ACI Event Of The Year

S. Joest ACI Communications — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:17:50 +0000

On behalf of the 2CV World Meeting 2011, the event which the Delegates elected to be the ACI Event Of The Year 2011, Xavier Audran and Christian Courte presented to the audience the latest plans and forecasts for *the* event for all 2CV drivers worldwide.

The 19th World Meeting of 2 CV friends will happen from 26 – 31 July 2011 in the heart of France at Salbris. The organizers expect exciting figures: 4000 to 5000 cars, between 8000 to 11000 participants.

The budget and organization complexity most likely beats all events so far – more than 300 volunteers will help the organizers to manage this World Meeting of Deuche lovers!

Read all details here (PDF or PowerPoint presentation from the AGM 2010).

Also watch out latest news on the event website at www.2cvfrance2011.fr, as well as a short movie:

Warning: Theft of “Jouet Citroen” toy cars

S. Joest ACI Communications — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 09:47:04 +0000

It is not always positive news we have to spread. This time we’re supporting our French colleagues in warning toy collectors about a theft.

The French Amicale Citroën France informs us that 12 Citroën toys of great value (type "Jouet Citroen", estimated to 25000 Euro) have been stolen from a French collector just after Epoqu’auto in Lyon. Please see the pictures.

If you hear something about these toys or see them in any exhibition, internet auction, or advertisement pls be kind enough to inform the French ACI Delegate Laurent Moret de Rocheprise, (email: laurentmr@hotmail.com) – he will transfer information to the collector (who has complained to the police) through the French Amicale.

Please spread out this information to collectors, your clubs/websites and maybe also to toy dealers around you.

Thank you, take care

///Stephan Joest
Communications
Amicale Citroen Internationale (ACI)

France: 90 years old and not one wrinkle

S. Joest ACI Communications — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 09:18:39 +0000

This article on the 90 years of Citroën in France is reproduced here in English translation with the gracious permission of Marc Ouayoun, a well known French car collector. It first appeared on his blog.

Nothing is riskier than planning the celebration of an event: We all have in mind memories of an event that was well organized and long anticipated which in the end fell flat. Conversely an unexpected event can prove to be unforgettable because it’s spontaneous and genuine.

Certain glum souls will no doubt have asked themselves about the legitimacy of an anniversary celebrated by Citroën in 2009, the 90 years of a tumultuous history just like that of the 20th century which saw the birth of this brand. Others will not miss the opportunity to say: “Why not the Centennial like everyone else?

For my part, I am of the opinion that the best events are those where you have something to celebrate. And 2009 is certainly a great year for the Citroën brand. The double chevrons, borne aloft by a particularly clever publicity campaign with inspired flair, plus a huge communication effort and obvious quality, is flying on its own and henceforth is carried along by a following wind. Communication, high visibility, newsworthy events; the work of the teams seems to be in sync with the products, modern. fresh and logical.

But, in the end, isn’t this all a bit quick?

The evolution of the image of the brand is spectacular, even for me who has often wished for a renaissance of Citroën on this site. Indeed, the biggest challenge will be to commit to that over time, to create solid foundations which will last in an un-certain automotive world, at the dawn of huge upheaval. The task will be difficult but most assuredly exciting.

Back to the 90th anniversary celebrations. Started at Retromobile, presented in different media and conveyed through the distribution network, the celebration saw its high point this weekend with the parade of the 90th anniversary.

Having participated nearly a year ago in the initial thinking by a working group which combined the manufacturer, collectors and the Amicale Citroën Internation-ale, I couldn’t wait for the weekend of October 3. I have to say that I was not dis-appointed either as a collector / participant or as an observer of the double chev-rons. It was a magnificent day!

The rendezvous was set for 11:00 a.m. for the assembling of the cars at the Foun-tains of Trocadero: 90 models (in fact there were more than 100) for 90 years. The organization was virually perfect and the parking of the cars done to the near-est inch. The collection of the emblematic models of the brand were represented by one or several versions: From the Type A of 1919 to the XM; through the Rosa-lie, Traction Avant, 2CV and other DS’s. The link with the present line was done through the new C3 and DS3. As to the future, it was symbolized by 2 very dis-tinctive concept cars: la Révolte recently introduced in Frankfurt and the spec-tacular “GT by Citroën.

At 5:00 p.m. the temporary exhibit was open to the public and soon the area was filled with hundreds of onlookers who had come to admire the creativity of Citroën. Very rapidly each car was surrounded by a crowd. Many visitors evoked a memory, an anecdote associated with the DS, the 2CV or an Ami Six recalled; going on holidays; the sunday outing with Uncle Hubert; going back to school with Grandma; the call of the family doctor and other slices of life. Few brands can boast of such a presence in the collective memory.

At 7:30 the departure in a convoy behind the GT. Very quickly we were caught up in Paris traffic jams and dumbfounded bystanders witnessed some unlikely scenes. A Citroën Autocar type U23 from 1947 going along flat out in a bus lane; a ZX Rallye Raid behind the C4 of Sebastien Loeb; a Rosalie stopped, hood up near the Bastille or another long line of DS’s yellow headlights glowing waiting for the green light beside the Samaritaine.

Once at the Place de la Bastille, we turned around and headed in a scattered fash-ion back to the Champs-Elyseés to wind up this unforgettable day at C42, showcase of the brand on the most beautiful avenue in the world. Even there, the sight of all our old cars parked together at the Pierre Charron Facility reminded me of the uniqueness of this rolling heritage flanked by the double chevrons.

After years of indifference, even rejection of the past, at times a burden, the brand is, from hereon in, not afraid to face its past and to find in it a source of in-spiration: a Citroën brand freed from inhibitions and determined to write a new chapter in its already rich history. Let’s wish it all success. The rendezvous is set for the 100 years in 2019!

Find some photos from that event on the blogsite at http://citropersoboulot.typepad.com/.

120 Years Eiffeltower, 90 Years Citroen: Oct 22 celebration

S. Joest ACI Communications — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 10:36:47 +0000

To celebrate 90 years of Citroën and 120 years of the world famous Eiffel Tower, the two are joining forces again, after 75 years, in a stunning display of ‘Créative Technologie’ on Oct 22nd, 2009.

Every night for three months from 22nd October, a special 12-minute light show will take place on the Eiffel Tower – one minute for each decade the ‘Iron Lady’ has stood proudly in the heart of Paris.

At 8.00pm on 22nd October – to mark the first of these displays – Citroën will be streaming live footage of the event from webcams mounted in 10 new Citroën C3’s, which will be positioned at key vantage points around the tower itself.

The footage will be broadcast at http://www.toureiffel.citroen.com/, and visitors to the site will be able to change viewpoints to take in the display from all angles. As well as taking advantage of the new C3’s sensational ‘Zenith’ windscreen, the webcam pictures will be displayed in vertical 9:16 format – a revolution for internet video.

The Zenith windscreen on the new C3 – Citroën’s latest model – provides a driving experience like no other, with a huge glass screen that soars above the heads of front occupants offering unprecedented levels of visibility – perfect for admiring the full height of the Eiffel Tower and the new light show in all its glory.

Citroën and the Eiffel Tower enjoyed a historic partnership for almost ten years between 1925 & 1934, when André Citroën had the Company’s name displayed in lights on the iconic structure. A total of 250,000 light bulbs and 600 kilometres of electric flex were used to make the 30 metre high letters. The spectacle was recorded in the Guinness Book of Records as the world’s largest advertising sign.. The illuminations were so bright that Charles Lindbergh used the tower as beacon when coming into land after his solo flight across the Atlantic.

75 Years Of Traction Avant: unforgettable!

S. Joest ACI Communications — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 09:27:54 +0000

ACI Event of the Year 2009:
“75 hours for 75 years” Arras, 10th-13th July 2009

This unforgettable event in Arras, in the North Pas-de-Calais region, to celebrate the 75th birthday of the famous Citroën Traction Avant, has brought together more than 1000 Tractions from all over Europe and many more visitors from very distant countries.

Walter Homberger, ACI Event Manager, shares his impressions with you:

“It was without a doubt a big success and will be remembered by every Tractionist who was present in Arras. The organizing team, consisting of members from NL-TAN, B-BOCC, GB-TOC and F-TU, under the guidance of their president André Jacquemain, has done a wonderful job. Congratulations to all of them!

Everyone was impressed by the professionalism of the organization, the exceptional quality of the cars shown in the Museum and all other animations which were offered. The program which was presented during the three days was so varied and full of highlights that every visitor could fully enjoy his stay.

It started on Friday evening with the grand garden party for over 1000 persons at the Pré Fleuri Restaurant, continued on Saturday with lectures by well known Traction Avant historians and the endurance trail in memory of Lecot. The Gala Dinner on Saturday evening was fully booked out with over 450 guests. Unfortunately space was limited, as many more people would have liked to be there. Another highlight on sunny Sunday afternoon was the Grand Parade, representing Traction history since 1934, together with traditional costume groups and local musical bands.

During the three days the two city squares, Grand’ Place and Place des Héros, were blocked of for Tractions only. It was absolutely fantastic to see hundreds of different Traction models parked in long rows on the cobble stone squares and watch local visitors by the thousand stroll between the cars and admiring them.

“75 hours for 75 years” was a superb celebration and will long be remembered by everyone! Arras demonstrated in a very positive way the true spirit of friendship between Traction- and Citroën enthusiasts from all over the world.”

There are many pictures and videos on the web about this great event. Find some eg. on the website of the Traction Avant Owners Club, UK:

http://www.traction-owners.co.uk/social/2009/75-4-75/75-4-75.htm

Enjoy!

ACI Newsletter #1/2009

S. Joest ACI Communications — Tue, 09 Jun 2009 10:24:20 +0000

The latest newsletter of ACI is about the new logo for the ACI but also about more “hands-on” funding of the Event Of The Year, updates on 75 Years of Traction and 2010, News from Citroen, AGM Minutes, etc.

Download newsletter #1/2009 here.