Ziyan Pickup Also Arrives / Citroën Unveils Forgonet Concept

After reimagining the nostalgic Ziyan hatchback, the French have now put it to work as a utility vehicle.

Amir Masoud Abedin: Only one day after introducing the electric and modern Citroen 2CV (Xian) concept at the 2026 Paris Auto Show, Citroen also displayed the commercial and cargo version of this legendary model; A concept called "Fourgonnette" that brings to life the memory of cube vans that once transported bread, tools and parcels across France.

By unveiling this second concept, Citroën showed that it is also thinking about guilds, small businesses and urban fleets. The original 2CV Forgonet model was first born in 1951 (three years after the introduction of the passenger version) and became a cheap, simple and tough car for businessmen and delivery drivers; A car of which more than 1.2 million units were made over several decades. Now the French are trying to inject the same practical and unpretentious formula into the new world in a completely electric format.

The design of the new Forgonet is based on the same nostalgic proportions; The short nose, long, boxy cargo space, and flat, simple body panels evoke a cost-effective structure that is low-cost to manufacture and repair. Citroën has considered this design style as a tribute to the simplicity and efficiency of the original model.

Xavier Chardon, CEO of Citroën and DS brands, in describing this concept, emphasized that the 2CV Forgonet was something beyond a simple work tool and was a part of people's daily life; A simple and smart car that had a soul. According to him, the purpose of restoring this car is to revive the same spirit; Because being useful never means boring.

The Forgonet Concept is part of Citroen's upcoming concept family for a low-cost electric model expected to hit the market around 2028. Although Citroën has not yet announced the exact specifications, range, price or timing for the electric pickup truck line, its main goal is to offer a light commercial vehicle that is developed on the basis of easy access and ease of maintenance.

The presentation of this concept alongside other Stlantis Group designs such as the DS F3ver concept and the Peugeot RCZ Vision shows the new wave of French automakers to revive the enduring names of the past in an innovative format.

Although it is not yet clear whether the final version of the Forgount will actually make its way to dealerships or not, the overwhelming response to electric city cars with a retro design has raised the chances of this lovely pickup truck being released. If Citroën pulls off this project, the light commercial vehicle market will have an economical, highly functional and characterful option that is miles away from today's conventional, soulless pickup trucks.