André Citroën spent many years as an industrialist before his first car was produced in 1919.  This was an immediate success and over 12,000 vehicles were manufactured in the following year.  Citroën rapidly became one of France’s leading car companies and was spurred on by competition, particularly with Renault.  However, in 1934 Citroën went bankrupt and were taken over by Michelin.  André Citroën died a year later.  Since 1976, the company has been part of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Group.