Turning innovative in the automotive
Traction Avant


Front-wheel drive - including the idea does not come from André Citroën, contrary to popular belief - of little interest to manufacturers. However, in the 1920, two engineers try to experiment on FWD cars involved in competition. Thus, Miller "Junior 8" front wheel designed by Cliff During participates in the Indianapolis 500 in 1925. Led by Dave Lewis, she finished in second place overall. The builder Harry Miller continues to exploit this technology in competition, but it does not apply to an automobile production.

Although Jean-Albert Grégoire had founded his company in 1929 Tracta on this principle, we must wait two U.S. Cord and Ruxton (in) for the front wheel has a significant impact. The "L-29" Cord will sell for close to 4400 unités. In 1931, DKW also opted for this technology on its "Front", which became the first automobile mass produced front wheel drive. But this technology is gaining acclaim a few years later with the Citroën Traction Avant, who popularized this mode of transmission. The advantage of this innovation is the lower center of gravity and improved holding route.