Amicale Citroën Internationale (ACI) - bringing together the Citroen clubs of the world

Meet the new Board

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 12:48:49 +0000

The ACI Board for 2012 was elected at the AGM at Retromobile in February. The new board concists of a good mix of re-elected board members and fresh blood. We hope this will facilitate for both carrying forward the ideas and principles of ACI and bringing new ideas to the table. Two board members had decided to leave the board after servicing the ACI for several years. The new board would like to thank Didier Parjadis and Henrik Almquist for everything they have done for the organization. In addition, there has been a vacant seat throughout 2011, which was now filled.

The Board has now held their first meeting. An important task of that meeting was to decide on the roles and functions of the members. We are glad to present you with the complete board:

President

John McCulloch

John is the current co-editor of the CITROENVIE – the largest Citroën publication in North America with some 1.400 subscribers world wide. He has organized numerous events for the Citroën Autoclub Canada (Ontario) and has participated in many international events in the United States and around the world.

John has been involved in the ACI since Citroën decided to formalize the organisation in 2002. He has been on the Board since 2005 and has served in numerous capacities since his initial election.

John has six Citroëns including a North American specification D Special, a North American Ami 6, two 2CVs, a low mileage Traction Avant and a wonderful 2CV fourgonette with 40,000 km. He sheepishly admits to having a Morris Minor and a 1925 Model T Ford. Nobody’s perfect.

Secretary and Communications

Jens Møller Nicolaisen

Attracted by it’s mythical “culture” and beautiful design I bought my first Traction Avant in 1980 – only to discover that this car was much more than meets the eye. Hit by Citroenza I soon bought a 1962 ID19 and from that point I never searched for a cure.

In 1982 I was among the founders of the Danish TA-club and I have been in the Board ever since then, including some years as president. Since 1983 I have been editor of Attraction, an 80 page magazine now comprising all four Danish Citroën clubs. This has also lead to a large collection of archival stuff; thousands of old pictures and other sources of information. Researching and writing about the history of Citroën is an important part of my involvement. Organizing meetings and cooperating with Citroën clubs in other coutries – of course – as well as practical restoration work are other aspects of my life with Citroën cars.

Today I own two Tractions (an 11BL Van and an 11AL Roadster), a DS21bvh, a CX Break and a Xantia V6 Break. I cut down! With some friends I also have a Citroën Kegresse from 1934. We have formed an exclusive little Societé, where we are all Vice-presidents.

I joined the ACI Board in 2008.

Treasurer

Walter Homberger

My first contact with Citroën was over 60 years ago.

In 1949 my father bought his first Citroën car, a Traction 15 SIX, 1948. It became, at the end of its lifespan, my first car. In the following years, we had several ID’s and DS’s in the family. I had the pleasure of driving them all as a young man.

Years later and having driven other cars, my interest turned back to the Citroën brand.

1995 I purchased a Traction 15 SIX H, which had undergone extensive restoration in France. I joined the Swiss Traction Club and was elected to a regional committee. In this function, I organized several Traction meeting in our region. 2005 to 2010, I was president of our Traction Club. I also joined the Traction Club 34 – 57 in the French speaking part of Switzerland.

As I prefer the comfort of the hydro-pneumatic suspension, my other cars are DS 21 M Pallas 1967, SM Injection 1972 and CX Pallas Diesel 1980. I am also member of the Swiss DS Club, the Swiss SM Club and the Swiss DS + CX Club.

After two XM’s for every day use, I now drive a C5 Tourer 2010 around Switzerland and Europe.

As successor to Peter Keller, I joined the ACI Board in 2009 and assisted Bernie Shaw in coordinating international Citroen events.

Events

Bernie Shaw

I am passionate (some say obsessive) about the Citroën marque and heritage. The first car I owned was a 1963 (Belgian) 2CV and within months I had also bought a 1951 Slough built Light 15 Traction. That was 45 years ago and since then I have only ever owned Citroëns – almost every model and far too many to list here. However, throughout my working life within the automotive parts industry, I have driven the widest possible variety of other marques and models but have not found anything that makes me feel the way I do about a Citroën. Today I have a 1939 Paris built 11L and a 1925 (UK Market) 5hp Trèfle – oh yes, and a Xsara Picasso.

Since the late 60s I have been a member of the Citroën Car Club which was the only UK Citroën club at that time and I am a founder member of the Traction Owners Club. The TOC initially developed within the CCC but has been completely independent for many years now. Over the years I have spent a number of terms as Chairman of the TOC and today I have the honour of being President.

My involvement with the ACI goes back to the early 80’s when the organisation was far less formal and also less widely embraced by either Automobiles Citroën or many clubs. I have been an ACI delegate for much of that time and was elected to the Board in 2010. In 1984 I was involved in the organisation of the UK ICCCR to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of the Traction and am today part of the team organising the 2012 ICCCR in Harrogate so. Unsurprisingly, for my first years as a Board member my prime responsibility has been “Events”.

My long term wish is for the ACI to unite the Citroën organisation with all the clubs of the world and encourage everybody to share their enthusiasm and knowledge. In addition I would particularly like to see the ACI formalise a system to record availability of old and new spare parts for all models to ensure the future for enthusiasts world-wide. It is something I tried (and failed) to do 30 years ago so I know from bitter experience it will not be a simple task. Nevertheless I personally believe it is something that is likely to benefit all owners eventually.

Webmaster/Assistant Secretary

Morten P Ruud

Despite his relatively young age and short career as a Citroën enthusiast, one can certainly say he is into “citroënism” with both feet. A life-long interest of cars and technology was almost 8 years ago channeled into the purchase of a 2CV. In his closest family there are now several 2CVs, one Dyane, one 15-six and a small range of modern Citroëns. Morten is currently rebuilding an Ami 8, which are very rare in Norway, and has also an early GS waiting for a brush up. Morten has been President of the Norwegian 2CV Club for the past 3 years.

Member at Large

Yasmina Tajada

I’ve been linked with Citroën cars since I was a toddler. The first family car I remember is a 2CV “Zapatilla”, special series made in 1982 when the Football World Championship was hosted by Spain. During the first eighteen years of my life, my dream consisted of driving that car. My Father kept the car in the face of all the people who told him it was a waste of time. Finally my dream came true: the car was mine!

Since then my engagement and enjoyment with Classic cars in general and the Citroën 2CV in particular hasn’t stopped growing.

At twenty-one I was elected Vice-president of my club (Club 2CV Aragon) and worked with Efrén Témez (the then President) to improve the club’s functioning, to start relationships with other car clubs and to meet other 2CV enthusiasts. Four years later, in 2008, I became president of the club.

The Club 2CV Aragon is a member of the Federation that groups 17 Classic car clubs of the Aragon region (Historical cars, American classic cars, Mini, SEAT 600, Volkswagen and many other classic cars) In 2009 the Federation asked me to join the Board as Secretary.

During 2008, my club along with other Spanish clubs, started working together to present our candidacy to host the 20^th World Meeting of 2CV Friends at the meeting in Most, Czech Republic. We were elected to host the event.

The following year Efrén Témez and I attended the AGM of the ACI for the first time representing our country. Since then, we have worked with the rest of the team to prepare the 2CV World Meeting. We have continued to both establish and strengthen relationships with local and regional Citroën clubs and other enthusiasts.

The election of our group to host the ACI Event of the Year 2013 is a sign to me and my team that we are going in the right direction. As President of the 2CV 2013 Association, I am its representative and spokesperson but I am only one person among many other members of the team.

I hope that my experience with different groups and associations I represent, will help me add value to the ACI Board in facilitating the expansion of the Citroën network among enthusiasts regardless of age, gender, experience, country or car model.

My leitmotif is”Ask not what your teammates can do for you. Ask what you can do for your teammates” (Quoting Magic Johnson – misquoting J.F.K.).

Member at Large

Jan-Willem Vink

Jan-Willem purchased his first Citroën, a yellow 2CV6 in 1992 and has not looked back since. He is currently the proud owner of three 2CV6s (1965, 1982, 1983)and a DS which he restored himself over a two year period. In addition he has an HY van which he converted into a Campervan. Jan-willem has been involved with the Citroën Club Netherlands since 2002. During his first four years in the club, he was the events Coordinator, doing five events per year including Waggel. Over the past five years, he served as President, but continued to arrange events as before.

Jan-willem is a Business Development manager and owns a firm that rents vintage cars.

Delegates’ reports

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Mon, 20 Feb 2012 20:37:51 +0000

In preparation for the Annual General Meeting 2012, all countries’ delegates were asked for a report from their clubs from the past year.

All reports have been collected in a document which is now available for download

The agreement for EotY 2013 signed in Paris

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Sun, 19 Feb 2012 09:07:22 +0000

The 20. World Meeting of 2CV Friends was promoted to ACI Event of the Year by the ACI delegates early 2012. The agreement was then finalized and signed by the president of the Spain 2013 association, Yasmina TAJADA, and the ACI president. The official signing took place in Paris during Retromobile on the ACI stand.

: Yasmina TAJADA and Didier PARJADIS signs the agreement

The 2013 organizers have made the following introduction on their web pages:

Spain hosts the International meeting of 2CV Friends for the first time. The event will be hosted in Alcañiz during the summer of 2013, from the 31st July to the 4th August.

2CV Spain 2013, as is officially known, introduces some novelties respecting to earlier international meetings.

The aim of organizers was bringing the racing world to the event, showing to 2CV enthusiasts a facet not well known by general public. Each participant will enjoy the usual activities plus some exhibitions and racing that would be held on the site at the same time.

New delegates from France and Japan

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 23:12:48 +0000

The Amicale Citroën France has elected Gerry Freed as a new ACI delegate. He will be representing France together with Laurent Moret de Rocheprise. Gerry brings to the community a lot of knowledge and experience, both in the Citroën dimension and with his international background. A very hearty welcome to the community.

Japan has also chosen a new delegate. Saturo Torigoe was present at the AGM in Paris and introduced himself to the other delegates there. We look forward to work with you in the years to come.

Didier Parjadis leaves the ACI Board

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 22:54:08 +0000

Didier Parjadis announced at the AGM in Paris that he has decided to leave the ACI Board to get more time to focus on his business.

Didier has been part of the Board for the last seven years, first as a delegate, then Board member and was elected President in 2008. During his time as President one of his main focus areas has been building ACI as a reliable partner for Automobiles Citroën. Under his leadership the ACI has been acknowledged as the principal representative of the Citroën clubs worldwide. In addition Didier negotiated the contract with Automobiles Citroën thereby ensuring a predictable financial contribution to the Event of the Year. He also established the agreements to be signed between the ACI and the organisers of the Events of the year. These contracts make the whole funding process transparent and ensure fairness to all applicants for EOTY status.

Didier has also led the work resulting in a new visual profile including logo, website, as well as a communication chart.

Didier has taken his responsibility as President seriously and has been working selflessly to achieve the ACI goals.

The ACI Board wishes him the best of luck and many happy Citroën moments in the future.

The new ACI President, Treasurer and Secretary will be appointed at the first board meeting early March.

ACI Annual General Meeting coming up

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:48:23 +0000

The ACI AGM 2012 will be held this on Saturday, 4th of February @14:30

in Porte de Versailles: Hall 4 Salle Océanie (close to Retromobile)

Agenda:

0. Welcome and presentation of the agenda

1. Approval of Minutes from last year’s AGM in Paris

2. Report from the President and Approval

3. Report from the Treasurer and Approval

4. Approval of Board Actions 2011

5. Report of the Mondiale de la 2CV, 2011 Event of the Year

6. Questions from the delegates

6. Reports from Delegates

7. Upcoming events -

2012 15 th ICCCR in Yorkshire, England
2013 Spain?
Call for events 2014, 2015

8. News from Citroën

9. Questions and Answers

10. Election of the ACI Board

11. Next Meeting

12. Adjournment

If you are an ACI delegate for you country and haven’t replied on the invitation sendt out by mail – please let John McCulloch (jmcculloch8@cogeco.ca) know if you will be attending the meeting.

New ACI delegates from Poland and Holland

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 22:39:06 +0000

The ACI community welcomes our new delegates from Poland and Holland.

Willem Klein Lankhorst will be replacing Hans Kloos and be joining Jan Willem Vink as delegate from the Citroën clubs in Netherlands

Poland’s first delegates to ACI will be Piotr Iwinski and Czeslaw Nosewicz. We look very much forward to you joining the community working on bringing together the Citroën clubs of the world. Both Piotr and Czeslaw represents the Citroën Club Torun

Welcome, Willem, Piotr and Czeslaw!

THE FLAG DRAPED GS IN BRUSSELS

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 22:35:29 +0000

Marc Roelandt has sent us this update on Alain Abadi’s tour across Europe in his GS “Drapeaux”

On July the 10th, the first country Alain Abadi visited with his GS was Belgium.
Nine Belgian GSses escorted him from the French border towards Brussels.

We met Alain in Quiévrechain, the town were he grew up and where his father used to have his paintshop ; it was also there that Alains father had to paint a GS draped with flags in 1971, for the Valenciennes Citroën main dealer.

A lovely drive through the countryside on B-roads led us to Brussels, where we visited the Autoworld Motor Museum and could take pictures, of course.

We wish Alain and his family a safe and pleasant drive to Germany and Poland !

Marc Roelandt

More pictures on : www.dssmclub.be – photo gallery

Internatioal H Meeting in Holland 2012

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 18:48:42 +0000

The ACI Board has received this from ACI Delegate Jan-willem Vink of Holland:

Dear Didier,

With great pleasure it is that i can tell you ( and the rest of the ACI ) that the 2^e International H meeting has a GO !

This means that from 2 till 5^th of aug 2012 there will be a big event in Holland.

They know this is before the ICCCR and they will use there meeting as a starting point of all Citroën that are going to the ICCCR.

At this moment the area is booked and all needed paper work is done.

This is a meeting that will be organized by both HY clubs in Holland, and I as a ACI member find this a good thing.

They expect over 300 h types plus all other citroen that are more then welcome to this meeting

Please take a look at http://www.typehinternational.com/

Now the big question and test case for us in Holland. Is there still a bit of money left in our sponserbutged for this gread meeting.

And how can we as dutch ACI make sure that they will get some.

Ofcourse they know that the ICCCR will get the big amount but everything is more than welcome

Best regards

Jan-willem

CForum Citroën Meeting 12 June, 2011

Morten P Ruud, ACI — Fri, 27 May 2011 07:16:17 +0000

CForum: The first Citroën forum to respond to the new image of the double chevrons. Created in 2007 by two young automotive designers, excited by innovation and the Citroën brand, CForum is entirely dedicated to the double chevrons. Bolstered by four years of experience, the forum has created a real community of more than 1100 members, devotees or not, old customers or new around one big idea: the Citroën brand. Keen on innovation and on the present style of the brand, CForum seeks, above all, to create human links between the different Citroën communities and to raise brand awareness through its constant innovation and its new language to make the automobile come to life in a different way. In this way, the new DS line of cars allows new customers of the brand to rediscover the rich history of the company. Thus CForum is really looking to the future with an eye on the present to correspond closely to the brand – by highlighting the new image of the brand introduced in 2009; and with a new website in line with the different official Citroën websites. Making its way bit by bit into the new media and the infinite possibility which is the internet and in the sprit of “Creative Technologie”, CForum was recently hired to test consumers’ opinions toward the latest sales software for the brand. Thus CForum has become a recognized forum which has gained the complete confidence of the brand.

As its content grows steadily richer, you will find there the universe of the brand: – Citroën news from around the world, world sales figures; the latest press releases; different scoops, information about upcoming projects, information about the present lineup of cars; information on older Citroën models. Nor will CForum hesitate to widen its scope by forming partnerships with different websites within the Citroën community, even those beyond the borders of France. In addition CForum has informed clubs which make up the Amicale Citroën of our events. Several members of CForum are, moreover, owners of Citroëns both new and old and are members of Citroën collector car clubs. With its site rich in information, photographs, videos and communication support, you will find the different models which make up the heritage of the brand. Our members, from the four corners of the earth, are proud to share their experience on the website of the Citroën models they own, whether it be a 2CV or the future DS5 which is not yet available.

Introduction to the Event

The first Citroën meeting of the Forum
In order to build on our community, and to share a convivial moment over the double chevrons, CForum has decided to organize its first Citroën get together. Fans of the double chevrons will have a the best opportunity to come and share, discover, and exchange ideas in a congenial atmosphere at an event totally devoted to the brand. CForum wishes to include the Citroën brand with this event in order to promote the image of the brand, its models and the latest news (notably the DS lineup) and above all the excitement that the brand brings together.

Date: Sunday June 12 2011.

This rally will take place around a whole day in an idyllic setting of Yvelines at the Chateau Saint-Germain en Laye and its grounds. It won’t be a day like any other and should delight fans and non-fans of the Citroën brand. We are in the process of preparing a rich program of different activities, each one with its own surprises to enrich this day which promises to be unforgettable. Throughout the day, there will be a contest to choose the most beautiful Citroën of the rally, the winner of which will receive a surprise for collectors.

Event link: http://c-forum.forumpro.fr/t2175-evenement-rassemblement-c-forum-dimanche-12-juin