Citroën vs Toyota: Founders, CEOs and History
Citroën was founded in 1919 by André Citroën and is led by Xavier Chardon. Toyota was founded in 1937 by Kiichiro Toyoda, Sakichi Toyoda and is led by Kenta Kon.
Company facts
Founders
Citroën
André Citroën
André Citroën founded his namesake automobile company in 1919 with a vision drastically different from his European contemporaries.
Toyota
Kiichiro Toyoda
Kiichiro Toyoda (1894-1952) founded the Toyota Motor Corporation in 1937, spinning it out of his father's successful textile machinery business.
Sakichi Toyoda
Sakichi Toyoda was not the founder of Toyota Motor Corporation but his inventions and philosophy created the foundation on which it was built. His loom patents generated the capital Kiichiro needed to experiment with automobiles.
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
Toyota
- Katsuaki Watanabe2005–2009
President
Toyota became the largest carmaker in the world by sales in 2008, then reported its first operating loss in decades. Akio Toyoda succeeded him in June 2009.
Source - Akio Toyoda2009–2023
President and Chief Executive Officer (now Chairman)
Akio Toyoda took leadership during one of Toyota's hardest modern periods, including the global financial crisis and the unintended acceleration recall crisis.
Source - Koji Sato2023–2026
President and Chief Executive Officer (now Vice Chairman)
Koji Sato inherited a profitable but scrutinized Toyota.
Source - Kenta Kon2026–present
President and Chief Executive Officer
As CFO, he managed the immense capital allocation required for Toyota's massive $35 billion commitment to fully electrify its vehicle lineup by 2030.
Source
Timeline: Citroën and Toyota side by side
1919Citroën
Automobiles Citroën Founded by André Citroën in Paris
Converted wartime munitions factory to build the Type A, Europe's first mass-produced automobile.
1934Citroën
Launch of the Revolutionary Citroën Traction Avant
Pioneered front-wheel drive, unibody construction, and independent front suspension.
1937Toyota
Toyota Motor Corporation incorporated
Toyota Motor Corporation was incorporated after Kiichiro Toyoda expanded the Toyoda family business from automatic looms into automobile manufacturing.
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.
1955Toyota
Toyopet Crown launched
The Toyopet Crown gave Toyota a postwar passenger-car platform and later became its first passenger car exported to the United States.
1966Toyota
Corolla launched
Toyota launched the Corolla, a compact car that became central to its mass-market export strategy.
1976Citroën
Formation of PSA Peugeot Citroën Group
Merged with Peugeot to form PSA, sharing platform development while preserving brand identity.
1989Toyota
Lexus launches
Toyota launched Lexus with the LS 400, moving into premium vehicles with a quality-led strategy.
1997Toyota
Prius launches in Japan
Toyota launched the Prius, turning hybrid technology into a mass-produced passenger vehicle.
2008Toyota
Largest Carmaker by Sales
Toyota passed General Motors in 2008 to become the largest carmaker in the world by sales.
2009Toyota
Unintended Acceleration Recalls
Toyota recalled millions of vehicles from late 2009 over floor mats and accelerator pedals linked to unintended acceleration.
2016Toyota
Acquired Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.
Toyota Motor acquired Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd..
2020Citroën
Launch of the Citroën Ami Electric Quadricycle
Created the viral urban micro-mobility vehicle drivable from age 14 without a standard car license.
2021Citroën
Part of Stellantis
Citroen became a Stellantis brand in January 2021 when PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler.
2021Toyota
Acquired Lyft Level 5
Toyota Motor acquired Lyft Level 5 for $550 million.
2021Toyota
Acquired CARMERA
Toyota Motor acquired CARMERA.
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.
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.
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%.
2026Toyota
Kenta Kon becomes president and CEO
Kenta Kon became president and CEO on April 1, 2026, while Koji Sato moved to vice chairman and chief industry officer.
2026Toyota
FY2026 sales revenues reach ~$340B (JPY 50.685T)
Toyota reported FY2026 sales revenues of ~$340 billion (JPY 50,684.952 billion) and net income attributable to Toyota Motor Corporation of ~$25.8 billion (JPY 3,848.098 billion).
Acquisitions
Citroën
- Maserati1968Undisclosed
- Panhard1965Undisclosed
- Mors Company1919Undisclosed
Toyota
- Lyft Level 52021$550M
- CARMERA2021Undisclosed
- Renovo Motors2021Undisclosed
- Daihatsu Motor Co., Ltd.2016Undisclosed
- Toyota Auto Body2012Undisclosed
Questions about Citroën vs Toyota
Who is the CEO of Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation?
Citroën is led by Xavier Chardon and Toyota Motor Corporation is led by Kenta Kon. Both serve as the top executive responsible for the company's strategy, operations, and financial performance.
When was Citroën founded vs Toyota Motor Corporation?
Citroën was founded in 1919 — 18 years before Toyota Motor Corporation, which was founded in 1937. Citroën's longer operating history gives it a deeper track record but also potentially more institutional inertia compared to the younger Toyota Motor Corporation.
How many employees does Citroën have compared to Toyota Motor Corporation?
Toyota Motor Corporation employs approximately 375,235 people. A verified employee count for Citroën is not currently available.
Where are Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation headquartered?
Citroën is headquartered in France and Toyota Motor Corporation is headquartered in Japan. Their different home markets mean they may face different regulatory frameworks, tax regimes, and currency exposure.
Who founded Citroën and Toyota Motor Corporation?
Citroën was founded by André Citroën. Toyota Motor Corporation was founded by Kiichiro Toyoda, Sakichi Toyoda.
Which company has a longer operating history — Citroën or Toyota Motor Corporation?
Citroën has been operating for approximately 107 years, making it the more established of the two companies. Toyota Motor Corporation has been in operation for around 89 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 Toyota overview