The 2cv Citroën and Tesla

Back in France in the 1950s, the Citroën 2cv was introduced to a market eager to buy automobiles. 

Just like today, demand was outstripping supply and the rustic and basic vehicle was attractive because of its weird simplicity combined with its low operating costs. 

It wasn’t particularly cheap and one had to be patient between the time the car was ordered and the moment it would be delivered. In 1951, waiting time could reach four years! It would shrink down to 3 years around 1954 and stabilize a bit after that. 

All along, the public was polarized between the car enthusiastic fan base and its vociferous detractors. 

Today, Tesla is experiencing the same iconoclastic destiny with its minimalists cars that it can’t produce fast enough to satisfy a growing demand exacerbated by skyrocketing fuel costs! As of now it takes more than six month to get a car from order to delivery time. 

Tesla also feels the love of its enthusiastic owners and users, while Big Oil is totally mad, the rest of the automobile industry is green with envy, and both are badmouthing the upstart whenever they get a chance. 

Once more, history seems to be repeating itself.