CITROËN launches “Créative Tour” to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Croisière Jaune
André Citroën launched the Croisière Jaune in 1931. A pioneering rally raid from Beirut to Beijing along routes that had never before been travelled by motorised vehicles, the expedition fascinated the world. Eight decades later, the brand has lost none of its daring spirit. To celebrate the anniversary of this extraordinary scientific, artistic and human adventure, CITROËN is launching a new cross-border event, “CITROËN Créative Tour”, an innovative road show drawing young and old into the world of “Créative Technologie” complete with parades of outstanding concept cars. The tour kicks off in Europe in Berlin from 17 to 19 June, followed by Paris from 24 to 26 June and Moscow in September. The celebrations will continue in China before the year’s end with more surprises.

A movable pavilion for an innovative road show

In 1931, faced with the crossing of the Himalayas and the danger of landslides, the valiant pioneers of the Croisière Jaune had to dismantle their half-track vehicles to get through the roughest terrain. Some 80 years later, the brand has once again chosen the same dismantle-and-reassemble principle for the CITROËN Créative Tour. This original road show will be stopping in Berlin at the BallonGarten park from 17 to 19 June, in Paris at the Invalides building from 24 to 26 June and in the centre of Moscow in the autumn, before moving on to China for more festivities.

Three “domes” for three distinct creative exhibition spaces

Comprising three linked-up domes, the pavilion used for the CITROËN Créative Tour illustrates all of the brand’s boldness and creativity:

• “Innovation” dome: the largest space in the pavilion immediately transports the visitor to the world of CITROËN “Créative Technologie”. The vehicles are displayed alongside astonishing contemporary and interactive artistic creations. The sculptural bonnet of the CITROËN C4, finished in heat-sensitive paint, constitutes a work of art in its own right. The “Revolte” concept car is flanked by the DS line, namely the DS3, DS4 and DS5. This last model, revealed in Shanghai in April, will be the first CITROËN to feature full-hybrid technology, HYbrid4.
• “Sensation” dome: this space, located at the centre of the pavilion, is dedicated to interactivity and digital leisure. Visitors can have a go at “Live Car Painting”, colouring in the roof of the CITROËN DS3 using a touch screen. Thrill seekers can get behind the wheel of the GTbyCITROËN concept car on the famous Gran Turismo 5 game, available on Sony PlayStation 3. 
• “Adventure” dome: the third space showcases the daring exploit of the 1931 Croisière Jaune. A half-track vehicle is on show, surrounded by the expedition equipment that was used at the time. Visitors also get to relive highlights of the adventure with a map of the expedition animated by films projected by a special robot! 

Concept car parades in city centres

In each capital city destination, the CITROËN Créative Tour will feature parades of the brand’s emblematic concept cars three times a day. With models including Survolt, a 100% electric true-blooded racing car, and GT by CITROËN, a real-life version of the car designed by CITROËN for the Gran Turismo 5 video game, thrills are guaranteed! And for still more excitement, CITROËN is organising a competition via a dedicated mini-website (www.creativetour.citroen.com), with lucky winners getting an insider’s view of the event as a passenger in one of these exceptional cars! 

Practical information:

• Free admission
• Berlin: BallonGarten park, Friday 17 to Sunday 19 June 2011, 10 am to 8 pm.
• Paris: Cour du Dôme des Invalides, Friday 24 to Sunday 26 June 2011, 10 am to 7 pm.