Citroën vs TVS Motor: Founders, CEOs and History
Citroën was founded in 1919 by André Citroën and is led by Xavier Chardon. TVS Motor was founded in 1978 by T. V. Sundram Iyengar, Venu Srinivasan and is led by K. N. Radhakrishnan.
Company facts
Founders
Citroën
André Citroën
André Citroën founded his namesake automobile company in 1919 with a vision drastically different from his European contemporaries.
TVS Motor
T. V. Sundram Iyengar
T. V. Sundram Iyengar (1877-1955) was a lawyer-turned-entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu who founded T.V. Sundram Iyengar & Sons in Madurai in 1911.
Venu Srinivasan
Venu Srinivasan, grandson of T. V. Sundram Iyengar, led the TVS two-wheeler business for decades.
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
TVS Motor
- K.N. Radhakrishnan2008–present
Director & Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Ensured consistent double-digit operating EBITDA margins through disciplined procurement, driving the commercial execution behind the Jupiter, Apache, and iQube sales surges.
Source - Sudarshan Venu2022–present
Chairman & Managing Director
Under his leadership TVS sold a record 5.89 million vehicles in FY2026 and grew consolidated revenue to ~$6.5 billion (₹56,028 crore).
Source
Timeline: Citroën and TVS Motor side by side
1911TVS Motor
T.V. Sundaram Iyengar Founds TVS Group: Thirukurungudi Vengaram Sundaram Iyengar founds T.V.
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.
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.
1976Citroën
Formation of PSA Peugeot Citroën Group
Merged with Peugeot to form PSA, sharing platform development while preserving brand identity.
1978TVS Motor
Establishment of TVS Motor Plant in Hosur: TVS establishes its two-wheeler manufacturing plant in Hosur, Tamil Nadu, producing the well-known TVS 50 2-stroke moped, mobilizing millions of Indian rural…
1980TVS Motor
TVS 50 Moped Launched
The TVS 50, a two-seater moped, was launched in 1980.
1982TVS Motor
TVS Suzuki Joint Venture Established: Partners with Japan's Suzuki Motor Corporation to manufacture modern 100cc Japanese motorcycles in India (TVS-Suzuki AX100 and Samurai).
2001TVS Motor
Amicable Separation from Suzuki & TVS Victor Launch: TVS and Suzuki amicably buy out joint venture shares; TVS launches the 100% indigenously developed TVS Victor 110cc commuter motorcycle, which beco…
2002TVS Motor
World's First Two-Wheeler Maker to Win the Deming Prize: TVS Motor Company is awarded the Deming Application Prize by the Union of Japanese Scientists and Engineers (JUSE) for total quality management…
2006TVS Motor
Launch of the TVS Apache Series: Introduces the TVS Apache performance motorcycle, originating from TVS Racing's factory track lineage, which grows into a 5-million-rider global sports franchise.
2013TVS Motor
BMW Motorrad Strategic Partnership: Signs long-term cooperation agreement with BMW Motorrad to co-develop and manufacture sub-500cc motorcycles (BMW G 310 R, GS, and TVS Apache RR 310) in Hosur.
2013TVS Motor
Jupiter Scooter Launched
TVS launched the Jupiter scooter in 2013.
2020Citroën
Launch of the Citroën Ami Electric Quadricycle
Created the viral urban micro-mobility vehicle drivable from age 14 without a standard car license.
2020TVS Motor
Acquisition of Norton Motorcycles (UK): Acquires historic British luxury superbike brand Norton Motorcycles for 16 million, building a modern factory in Solihull, England.
2021Citroën
Part of Stellantis
Citroen became a Stellantis brand in January 2021 when PSA merged with Fiat Chrysler.
2022TVS Motor
Sudarshan Venu becomes managing director
Sudarshan Venu became managing director of TVS Motor in 2022. Under his leadership TVS sold a record 5.89 million vehicles in FY2026 and grew consolidated revenue to ~$6.5 billion (₹56,028 crore).
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.
2024TVS Motor
Surpassing 300,000 TVS iQube EV Deliveries: TVS iQube crosses 300,000 cumulative electric scooter sales, establishing TVS as India's top 2 electric two-wheeler manufacturer alongside Ola Electric.
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%.
Acquisitions
Citroën
- Maserati1968Undisclosed
- Panhard1965Undisclosed
- Mors Company1919Undisclosed
TVS Motor
- Engines Engineering2025Undisclosed
- DriveX2024Undisclosed
- Swiss E-Mobility Group (SEMG) & EGO Movement2022Undisclosed
- Swiss E-Mobility Group2022Undisclosed
- EGO Movement2021Undisclosed
- Norton Motorcycles (UK) Limited2020Undisclosed
Questions about Citroën vs TVS Motor
Who is the CEO of Citroën and TVS Motor Company?
Citroën is led by Xavier Chardon and TVS Motor Company is led by K. N. Radhakrishnan. Both serve as the top executive responsible for the company's strategy, operations, and financial performance.
When was Citroën founded vs TVS Motor Company?
Citroën was founded in 1919 — 59 years before TVS Motor Company, which was founded in 1978. Citroën's longer operating history gives it a deeper track record but also potentially more institutional inertia compared to the younger TVS Motor Company.
How many employees does Citroën have compared to TVS Motor Company?
TVS Motor Company employs approximately 5,500 people. A verified employee count for Citroën is not currently available.
Where are Citroën and TVS Motor Company headquartered?
Citroën is headquartered in France and TVS Motor Company is headquartered in India. Their different home markets mean they may face different regulatory frameworks, tax regimes, and currency exposure.
Who founded Citroën and TVS Motor Company?
Citroën was founded by André Citroën. TVS Motor Company was founded by T. V. Sundram Iyengar, Venu Srinivasan.
Which company has a longer operating history — Citroën or TVS Motor Company?
Citroën has been operating for approximately 107 years, making it the more established of the two companies. TVS Motor Company has been in operation for around 48 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 TVS Motor overview