Citroën vs Nissan: Founders, CEOs and History
Citroën was founded in 1919 by André Citroën and is led by Xavier Chardon. Nissan was founded in 1933 by Yoshisuke Aikawa, William Gorham, Masujiro Hashimoto and is led by Ivan Espinosa.
Company facts
Founders
Citroën
André Citroën
André Citroën founded his namesake automobile company in 1919 with a vision drastically different from his European contemporaries.
Nissan
Yoshisuke Aikawa
Yoshisuke Aikawa founded the massive Nissan zaibatsu in the 1920s. Recognizing the absolute critical importance of the rapidly growing automotive industry, he consolidated several smaller motor companies (including DAT Motors) into Nissan Motor Co.
William Gorham
William Gorham was an American engineer who moved to Japan and played an absolutely vital role in the founding of Nissan.
Masujiro Hashimoto
Masujiro Hashimoto founded the Kwaishinsha Motor Car Works in 1911, which produced the 'DAT' car.
Rokuro Aoyama
Rokuro Aoyama was one of the three primary financial backers (alongside Den and Takeuchi) of Hashimoto's original company, providing the 'A' in the 'DAT' acronym.
CEOs and their tenures
Citroën
- Linda Jackson2014–2020
Chief Executive Officer, Citroen
She oversaw the C4 Cactus and C5 Aircross launches. Vincent Cobee succeeded her in January 2020.
Source - Vincent Cobée2020–2023
Chief Executive Officer
Serving as CEO until 2023, he successfully launched the Ami, which became a massive viral success among urban European youth, completely bypassing traditional driver's license requirements.
Source - Thierry Koskas2023–2025
Chief Executive Officer
As CEO, he attempts to redefine the struggling brand within the massive Stellantis portfolio, positioning Citroën as the definitive entry-level, budget-conscious European automaker.
Source - Xavier Chardon2025–present
Chief Executive Officer
Appointed CEO of Citroën effective June 2, 2025, reporting to Stellantis Enlarged Europe COO Jean-Philippe Imparato. He joined PSA in 1994 and spent almost 20 years with Citroën before working at Volkswagen.
Source
Nissan
- Katsuji Kawamata1957–1973
President & Chairman
Transformed Nissan from a domestic Japanese producer into an international export leader.
Source - Carlos Ghosn1999–2017
Executive Officer & CEO
Rescued Nissan from imminent bankruptcy and built the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi global alliance.
Source - Hiroto Saikawa2017–2019
Chief Executive Officer
Hiroto Saikawa served as chief executive of Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. from 2017 to 2019.
Source - Makoto Uchida2019–2025
Representative Executive Officer, President & CEO
Returned Nissan to profit after the pandemic, but stepped down in March 2025 after results collapsed in FY2024 and merger talks with Honda failed.
Source - Ivan Espinosa2025–present
President and Chief Executive Officer
Mexican-born former chief planning officer who succeeded Makoto Uchida as CEO on April 1, 2025. Launched the Re:Nissan cost and restructuring plan and led Nissan back to a quarterly operating profit in Q1 FY2026.
Source
Timeline: Citroën and Nissan side by side
1914Nissan
Creation of the DAT Car: Masujiro Hashimoto creates the DAT passenger car at Kaishinsha in Tokyo, establishing the engineering roots of Datsun and Nissan.
1919Citroën
Automobiles Citroën Founded by André Citroën in Paris
Converted wartime munitions factory to build the Type A, Europe's first mass-produced automobile.
1933Nissan
Founding of Jidosha Seizo in Yokohama: Yoshisuke Aikawa establishes Jidosha Seizo Co., Ltd. in Yokohama, renamed Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. in 1934.
1934Citroën
Launch of the Revolutionary Citroën Traction Avant
Pioneered front-wheel drive, unibody construction, and independent front suspension.
1948Citroën
Unveiling of the Iconic Citroën 2CV People's Car
Introduced the ultra-affordable utilitarian car that motorized post-war rural France for 42 years.
1955Citroën
Debut of the Legendary Hydropneumatic Citroën DS
Unveiled the aerodynamic masterpiece featuring self-leveling hydropneumatic suspension and turning headlights.
1958Nissan
Mobilgas Round Australia Trial Victory: Datsun 1000 captures class honors in the 10,000-mile endurance trial, launching Nissan's international export offensive.
1966Nissan
Merger with Prince Motor Company: Nissan absorbs Prince Motor Company, acquiring top aeronautical engineering talent, royal coachbuilding prestige, and the well-known Skyline and Gloria nameplates.
1969Nissan
Launch of Datsun 240Z and Skyline GT-R: Nissan releases the affordable inline-six Datsun 240Z sports coupe in the US and the dual-overhead-cam Skyline 2000GT-R in Japan, shattering European performanc…
1976Citroën
Formation of PSA Peugeot Citroën Group
Merged with Peugeot to form PSA, sharing platform development while preserving brand identity.
1989Nissan
Infiniti Luxury Division & R32 GT-R Debut: Nissan launches Infiniti in North America with the Q45 flagship sedan and revives the R32 Skyline GT-R featuring ATTESA E-TS all-wheel drive.
1999Nissan
Formation of Renault-Nissan Alliance: Facing $20B in corporate debt, Nissan forms an equity alliance with Renault S.A.; Carlos Ghosn launches the Nissan Revival Plan to rescue the company.
2010Nissan
Commercialization of 100% Electric Nissan Leaf: Nissan releases the Leaf, creating the modern mass-market electric vehicle segment and selling over 650,000 units globally.
2016Nissan
Acquisition of 34% Controlling Stake in Mitsubishi Motors: Nissan invests $2.2 billion to purchase a controlling 34% stake in Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, creating the three-way Alliance.
2020Citroën
Launch of the Citroën Ami Electric Quadricycle
Created the viral urban micro-mobility vehicle drivable from age 14 without a standard car license.
2020Nissan
Unveiling of Nissan NEXT Turnaround Plan: then-CEO Makoto Uchida unveils Nissan NEXT, rationalizing global capacity by 20% and focusing core investments on e-POWER and EVs.
2021Citroën
Part of Stellantis
Citroen became a Stellantis brand in January 2021 when PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler.
2023Citroën
Thierry Koskas becomes CEO
Thierry Koskas became CEO of Citroën in 2023. Led Citroën from March 2023 to mid-2025, overseeing the launch of the ë-C3 and the new brand identity before moving to another Stellantis role.
2024Citroën
Launch of the Sub-€25k Citroën ë-C3
Introduced an affordable, European-built electric hatchback on the Stellantis Smart Car platform, priced from about €23,300 at launch.
2024Nissan
Historic EV Collaboration with Honda: Nissan and Honda sign a strategic partnership to co-develop electric vehicle drive platforms, standardized core components, and automotive software OS.
2025Citroën
Xavier Chardon Named CEO; Formula E Entry Announced
Chardon took over as CEO on June 2, 2025, and Citroën announced its entry into the Formula E world championship in September 2025.
2025Nissan
Honda merger talks end in February; Ivan Espinosa becomes CEO on April 1; Re:Nissan recovery plan announced in May.
2026Citroën
H1 2026 Sales Rise 4.4% to 373,700 Units
Renewed range lifted worldwide sales and European share to 3.4%, with EV orders up 98%.
2026Nissan
FY2025 results show ~$80.4 billion (¥12.0 trillion) revenue and a ~$3.57 billion (¥533.1 billion) net loss; Q1 FY2026 operating profit returns to ~$522 million (¥77.9 billion).
Acquisitions
Citroën
- Maserati1968Undisclosed
- Panhard1965Undisclosed
- Mors Company1919Undisclosed
Nissan
- Mitsubishi Motors Corporation (34% Controlling Stake)2016$2.2B
- Mitsubishi Motors2016Undisclosed
- Prince Motor Company1966Undisclosed
Questions about Citroën vs Nissan
Who is the CEO of Citroën and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.?
Citroën is led by Xavier Chardon and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is led by Ivan Espinosa. Both serve as the top executive responsible for the company's strategy, operations, and financial performance.
When was Citroën founded vs Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.?
Citroën was founded in 1919 — 14 years before Nissan Motor Co., Ltd., which was founded in 1933. Citroën's longer operating history gives it a deeper track record but also potentially more institutional inertia compared to the younger Nissan Motor Co., Ltd..
How many employees does Citroën have compared to Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.?
Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. employs approximately 120,079 people. A verified employee count for Citroën is not currently available.
Where are Citroën and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. headquartered?
Citroën is headquartered in France and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. is headquartered in Japan. Their different home markets mean they may face different regulatory frameworks, tax regimes, and currency exposure.
Who founded Citroën and Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.?
Citroën was founded by André Citroën. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. was founded by Yoshisuke Aikawa, William Gorham, Masujiro Hashimoto, Rokuro Aoyama.
Which company has a longer operating history — Citroën or Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.?
Citroën has been operating for approximately 107 years, making it the more established of the two companies. Nissan Motor Co., Ltd. has been in operation for around 93 years. A longer operating history often signals greater institutional resilience and brand recognition, though it can also mean slower adaptation to new market conditions.
Figures come from each company's filings and the sources linked beside them. Amounts reported in another currency are shown in US dollars at an approximate rate and marked with ~. Back to the Citroën vs Nissan overview