Created the first French mass-produced car.

André Citroen is credited with changing the entire motor vehicle industry in France and has been referred to often as the “Henry Ford” his country. Created the first French mass-produced car In 1919, André Citroen introduced the 10-horsepower, four-door Type A, which became the first car made in France using American-style mass production methods. Citroen’s TA model (for Traction Avant, or front wheel drive) was in production for 23 years. During that time, Citroen produced over three-quarter of a million Type A’s. Citroen’s innovations were numerous and varied. In 1921, he built tracked cars that could be driven on any terrain. Beginning in 1924, he restructured the entire fleet of Paris taxis, organized a rapid coach transportation network in the suburbs and towns, and founded subsidiaries all over Europe. His ingenuity went beyond cars, as he published countless catalogues and pamphlets and charmed the hearts of children by reproducing his cars as toys. In 1931, the French government awarded André Citroen the badge of Grand Officier of the Legion of Honor for exceptional service to the cause of civilization and world progress.