Why doesn’t Citroën sell cars in the United States?

Artigo atualizado em 13 de July de 2026 por João Daniel

Citroën is one of the most traditional car manufacturers in Europe and is present in dozens of countries, including Brazil, France, Spain, Portugal, the United Kingdom, and India. However, a very common question among enthusiasts of the brand is: Why doesn’t Citroën sell cars in the United States?

The answer involves a combination of historical factors, regulatory requirements, and market strategy. In this article, you will understand why the French brand left the United States and why it hasn’t returned yet.

Has Citroën ever sold cars in the United States?

Yes. Although it never had an operation as large as in European countries, Citroën did market some models in the United States between the 1950s and 1970s.

Among the best-known models were:

• Citroën DS
• Citroën ID
• Citroën SM
• Citroën 2CV (small scale)

The Citroën DS attracted attention for its futuristic design and its famous hydropneumatic suspension, considered revolutionary for its time.

Despite the innovative technology, sales never reached significant numbers.

What made Citroën leave the United States?

In the early 1970s, the American market underwent profound changes.

United States authorities have implemented much stricter standards related to vehicle safety and emissions control.

Among the new requirements were:

• More durable bumpers.
• New lighting standards.
• Stricter emissions regulations.
• Specific certifications for each model.

Citroën vehicles used technical solutions that were quite different from those adopted by American manufacturers.

Adapting the entire product line to meet the new requirements would demand very high investments, with no guarantee of financial return.

Given this scenario, the company decided to officially abandon the American market.

Did the hydropneumatic suspension also have an influence?

Yes.

The hydropneumatic suspension was one of Citroën’s biggest selling points, offering exceptional comfort.

On the other hand, it was a complex technology for its time.

In the United States, many mechanics lacked the training to perform maintenance on these vehicles, which hampered after-sales service and increased the brand’s operating costs.

This further hampered the acceptance of the vehicles.

Why has Citroën never returned to the US?

Today, Citroën is part of Stellantis, one of the largest automotive groups in the world.

Even so, the company shows no interest in launching the brand in the American market.

There are several reasons for this decision.

1. Extremely competitive market

In the United States, manufacturers compete for market share with giants such as:

• Ford
• Chevrolet
• Toyota
• Honda
• Hyundai
• Kia
• Tesla

In addition to these, Stellantis itself already owns established brands, such as:

• Jeep
• Ram
• Dodge
• Chrysler

Launching another brand would require billions of dollars in investments in:

• dealerships;
• marketing;
• parts;
• logistics;
• training;
• guarantee.

2. Different consumer preferences

Although SUVs are on the rise worldwide, American consumers still prefer larger vehicles.

Large pickup trucks, large SUVs, and more powerful engines dominate a large part of the market.

Much of Citroën’s European lineup was developed for city use, focusing on efficiency, economy, and compact dimensions.

3. Stellantis Strategy

Stellantis avoids competing with itself.

In the American market, Jeep occupies the SUV segment.

Ram dominates the pickup truck market.

Chrysler caters to a portion of the family market.

Dodge remains focused on performance.

Adding Citroën could create overlap between brands within the same group.

Are there Citroën cars on the road in the United States?

Yes.

It is possible to find some models imported by collectors.

American law allows the importation of vehicles over 25 years old with far fewer restrictions.

Therefore, classic models such as:

• Citroën DS;
• Citroën SM;
• Citroën CX;
• Citroën 2CV;

They can be seen at classic car shows and automotive events.

These vehicles are rare and highly valued.

Can a brand new Citroën be imported into the USA?

In practice, it’s very difficult.

For a new vehicle to be legally registered, it must meet the standards of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

Since current Citroën models are not homologated for this market, individual importation is usually not feasible.

Did Peugeot also leave the United States?

Yes.

Peugeot ended its sales in the United States in 1991.

Following the creation of Stellantis, rumors surfaced about a possible return of French brands, but so far there has been no official announcement to relaunch Peugeot or Citroën in the country.

Is there a chance Citroën will return to the US market?

Currently, this possibility is considered small.

Stellantis’ priority remains strengthening brands that already have a solid presence in the North American market.

Furthermore, the investment required to create a new network of dealerships would be extremely high.

In the future, a possible expansion could occur if the electric vehicle market significantly changes the competitive landscape, but no official plans have been released.

Interesting facts about Citroën in the United States.

• The Citroën DS has been voted one of the most beautiful cars in history.
• The Citroën SM used an engine developed in partnership with Maserati.
• Many Americans only know Citroën from European films or classic cars.
• Several models of the brand appear in automotive museums in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Citroën sell cars in the United States?

No. Currently, the brand does not have official operations or dealerships in the country.

Can I buy a Citroën in the USA?

Only used or classic imported models.

Is there official technical support available?

No.

Since the brand does not officially operate in the United States, there is no authorized service network.

Could Citroën return to the American market?

To date, there has been no official announcement indicating the brand’s return to the United States.

Conclusion

Citroën’s absence from the United States is the result of a combination of historical factors, stringent regulations, and commercial strategy.

Although the brand is part of Stellantis, the group focuses its investments on brands already established in the North American market, such as Jeep, Ram, Dodge, and Chrysler.

Meanwhile, Citroën continues to expand its operations in markets such as Europe, South America, the Middle East, Africa, and India, maintaining its tradition of offering vehicles with distinctive design, comfort, and a focus on innovation.