Currently reading: Citroen boss: industry must show how cars offer 'freedom'
Linda Jackson says that car firms must showcase the benefits of the car in order to combat an increasing number of restrictions

Citroën boss Linda Jackson believes that the automotive industry needs to showcase how cars provide 'freedom and liberty' to ensure they remain a key part of future transport solutions.

The car industry is facing an increasing number of restrictions and regulations, including tough emissions requirements. At the same time, a growing number of cities are introducing restrictions on cars to cut pollution and congestion, encouraging drivers to switch to public transport, walking or cycling.

As part of its 100th anniversary celebrations, Citroën has developed two concept cars, including the Ami One, a small electric machine for short-inner city journeys. 

“I think people have a bad view of the car industry, for lots of different reasons,” said Jackson. “Everybody is knocking the car, and saying it’s going to be impossible to get around in cities without everybody going to public transport, and all these things that are really negative. We wanted to say ‘hold on a minute, people want freedom, liberty and mobility’.”

Jackson said that the Ami One was developed in part to prove that the car has a place in cities of the future. “As manufacturers we need to bring forward models that are environmentally friendly, and moving forward safety and security,” said Jackson. “We need to respect all the rules, but it’s about showing personal mobility can be fun.

“Hopefully the models we’re bringing out, and things like AMI:One, show you can be protective towards society and think about the environment, but also protect people’s liberty – and that’s what we want to do, because if they start banning everything from cities, we’re not going to be able to move.

“I want Citroën to take that as a subject and go ‘lots of people are saying down with cars, but they’re a form of liberty, or freedom’, and look at how we can find solutions to protect customer’s freedom, while respecting all the rules.”

Citroën, along with fellow PSA Group brands Peugeot, DS and Vauxhall/Opel, will electrify its entirely line-up by 2024, and Jackson said the group has committed to being “totally compliant” with the tough new EU CO2 that are being introduced. Jackson added: “we’re not going to pay any penalties, which is important from a credibility and ethical point of view.”

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James Attwood

James Attwood, digital editor
Title: Acting magazine editor

James is Autocar's acting magazine editor. Having served in that role since June 2023, he is in charge of the day-to-day running of the world's oldest car magazine, and regularly interviews some of the biggest names in the industry to secure news and features, such as his world exclusive look into production of Volkswagen currywurst. Really.

Before first joining Autocar in 2017, James spent more than a decade in motorsport journalist, working on Autosport, autosport.com, F1 Racing and Motorsport News, covering everything from club rallying to top-level international events. He also spent 18 months running Move Electric, Haymarket's e-mobility title, where he developed knowledge of the e-bike and e-scooter markets. 

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artill 23 July 2019

Citroen we once known for

Citroen we once known for their great value fun cars, small hatches with personality for less money than the average car. No more. Maybe the car industry should try to make things people want, at a price they can afford. Does everyone want an overpriced tall car? I think thats all Citroen make these days isnt it? 

Phinehas 23 July 2019

Citroën needs to stop being profitable (reprise)

artill wrote:

Citroen we[re] once known for their great value fun cars, small hatches with personality for less money than the average car.

But relatively few people bought them outside of France - and the British in particular turned their noses up big time. Even the expensive "real" Citroëns that some hark on about didn't sell abroad in massive numbers. Profits were not what they are today.

Why does everyone assume that Citroën isn't in the business to stay in business? Surely, selling what sells first and indulging a little afterwards is a better business plan than trying to convince a jaded, PR-led public that what they really want is a cheapo piece of whackiness from a company that won't outlive the car you are buying. The world has moved on since the 2CV.

JJ BLADE 23 July 2019

Freedom to be stuck in a Jam

With the EU manipulated overpopulation by allowing totally porus borders with other continents and human rights banning members from repatriating any of our new wonderful guests, there is no freedom, everything is overburdened and jammed up. That's why I choose to ride a motorcycle at times as I am not a prisoner in a cage however much I do love my cars.