Citroën builds chariots for the new Asterix & Obelix film
According to data from Kino-Zeit, May 18, 2023 is the day for the new film “Asterix & Obelix in the Middle Kingdom” to start in German cinemas. The film takes place in 50 BC. in ancient China, at that time there were no automobiles as a means of mobility. That’s why Citroën designed a chariot especially for the occasion, as can be seen in a YouTube video by the car manufacturer.
As you can see in the video, the design of the cult car, the Citroën 2CV, is recognizable, also known as the “duck” in this country. The concept chariot should be an “ode” to the “legendary car”, the 2CV, according to the image quoted by Citroën design chief Pierre Leclercq.
This is what the Citroën chariot looks like
The team around Pierre Leclerq worked on the concept chariot for around three months, reports the Autozeitung. As can already be seen in the promotional video, the chariot comes with the new Citroën logo, although this was specially equipped with the two wings of the Asterix helmet for the film, writes the Autozeitung.
The frame of the chariot is made of solid oak, the roll top is made of canvas, recycled shields are used as wheels and so that the ride is not too bumpy, wild boar stomachs are used for suspension. So that Asterix and Obelix can also drive at night, fireflies in Gaul helmets are used as lighting. An additional trunk made of Gallic steel offers storage space for the luggage of Asterix and Obelix.
Partnership between Citroën, Pathé, Trésor Films and Editions Albert René as a reflection of French culture
Not only the car brand Citroën, but also the comic series Asterix & Obelix are big names in French culture, writes motor1.com. Editions Albert René owns and manages the rights to the French comic series created in 1959 by René Goscinny and Albert Uderzo, according to motor1.com. 385 million albums in 111 languages and dialects have been sold to date and the films in the comic series enjoy not only 25 million viewers in France but over 70 million worldwide, motor1.com reports. So the comic series certainly helped shape the image of French culture. But the Citroën car brand has also been part of French culture since 1919 and has made a decisive contribution to the “history of the automotive industry from the Traction Avant to the 2CV to the CX”, according to motor1.com. This partnership is now supposed to commemorate the “Citroën Central Asia Mission”, which took place from April 4, 1931 to February 12, 1932. Because Asterix and Obelix also take a long journey with the new chariot, but at this point we won’t reveal more about the film.
However, the partnership goes far beyond this little flashback into history. The French car manufacturer provided the team with a fully electric fleet during filming to stay mobile, reports motor1.com. The fleet consisted of 10 vehicles and the charging stations on site were also taken care of.
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