The Citroën 2CV was produced by an automaker from France.
Citroën was founded in France, and the 2CV became one of the country’s most recognizable cars. Its name comes from “deux chevaux,” or “two horsepower,” referring to French tax-horsepower classification rather than the engine’s literal output. The car was officially unveiled at the Paris Motor Show in 1948.
Citroën designed the 2CV as an inexpensive, practical vehicle for rural drivers. Its unusually soft suspension, tall body, simple air-cooled engine, and generous ground clearance helped it travel over rough farm tracks while carrying people, produce, or other cargo. The minimalist design made it economical to build and maintain.
The 2CV remained in production from 1948 until 1990, an exceptionally long run. Citroën also assembled the model in several countries, including Spain and Portugal, which can cause confusion about its national identity. Those international factories do not change the answer: the automaker and the car’s origin were French.