Par Hugo Murtas
Published on August 6, 23 at 6:02 pm updated on August 7, 23 at 8:57 am See my news Follow News Rennes Eric Moreau joined the Stellantis factory in Rennes in 1987 as a worker. (©Hugo Murtas / news Rennes)
It’s the most Rennes of Citroëns. Unveiled to the world in 1993at the Geneva Motor Show, the Xantia celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2023.
Produced mainly in the Rennes La Janais factory – at 1,326,259 copies from 1993 to 2010 – the Xantia has become an emblematic vehicle of the chevron brand. It is now a collector’s model whose qualities remain comfort et road holding.
Eric Moreaua Stellantis worker, has worked at the Rennes plant since 1987. He was in the front row when production of the Xantia started.
Our series of articles on the Xantia
On the occasion of the 30th anniversary of the Citroën Xantia, actu Rennes is producing a series of articles to celebrate this emblematic and popular car designed mainly at the Rennes La Janais factory.
See everything
“Everything was done in Rennes”
In 1993, Eric Moreau participates in the assembly of the parts of the Citroën Xantia: engine, doors, assembly or paint. “Everything was done in Rennes. The assembly of the Xantia required around 26 hours of work compared to 15 today”, explains the worker.
The Citroën Xantia celebrates its 30th anniversary in 2023. (©Stellantis Rennes La Janais)
The first customer feedback is positive. “It appealed to those who drove a DS,” recalls Eric Moreau. The effervescence is also felt within the Rennes factory itself.
There was a pride in working on a car that we saw a lot driving on the roads.
Eric Moreau
Absolute comfort: Hydractive II
Hailed for its comfort, safety and driving pleasure, the Xantia succeeds the BX and highlights theHydractive II from 1994. This hydropneumatic suspension system reserved for the premium model Activa allows the car to achieve a feat: turn flat in turns.
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The arrival of the Hydraactive II sounds like a technological revolution at Citroen. “It combines the power of hydraulics and the speed of electronics, which symbolizes the difference of the Xantia”, explains the automotive group. This car is then forged a solid reputation.
It was seen as a reliable car where you are never bothered. It was a symbol of modernity, young people adored it.
Eric Moreau
Cars produced in Rennes since 1961
1961 : AMI 6
1969 : AMI 8
1971 : GS
1978 : Visa
1982 : BX
1989 : XM
1993: Xantia
1997: Xsara
2001 : CS
2004 : Peugeot 407
2005: Peugeot 407 coupe
2005 : C6
2007: new SC
2010 : Peugeot 508
2016 : E-Mehari
Since 2017: 5008
Since 2018: C5 AirCross
And 2025 : CR3
An advertisement with Carl Lewis
In 1995two years after the launch of the first Xantia, advertising holds the attention of French viewers.
Its slogan, spoken by Carl Lewis, athletics champion and multiple Olympic medalist, directly echoes the technical qualities of the car. In this ad, the athlete is forced to become a monk because of a bet.
I’m the only one to stay perfectly flat in the turns (…) If a car can do that, I’m a monk.
Carl Lewis, in Citroën advertising
For him, it was impossible for a car to turn flat. It is now done with the Xantia.
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2023-08-07 11:18:24
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