2CV made in Slovenia, CIMOS museum

Many of you might not know that the 2CV was also produced in Slovenia — and not just the 2CV, but several other Citroën models as well.
All of them will be on display in our CIMOS museum.

TOMOS

In 1954 a factory of motorcycles was established in Sežana (near Postojna), named TOMOS – TOvarna MOtorjev (factory of motorcycles) Sežana. Licensing negotiations led to a deal with Steyr-Daimler-Puch of Austria. The project was later relocated to Koper, with first model the Tomos Puch SG 250, followed by locally developed versions like the Colibri.

In 1959, new factory was opened and TOMOS entered a joint venture with Citroën to assemble Citroën vehicles in Yugoslavia. Import restrictions made local assembly the only viable option. Cars arrived in CKD (Completely Knocked Down) form, mainly DS models, and were assembled in Koper, using some local components (e.g., Iskra alternators; and Sava tyres).

From TOMOS to CIMOS

In 1972, this partnership was formalized as CIMOS – a joint venture between Tomos, Citroën, and Iskra. Ownership was split 50/50 between Citroën and the Yugoslav government. Payments to Citroën were often made in raw materials and agricultural goods due to foreign currency limitations.

CIMOS assembled a variety of models for the domestic market, including:

• 2CV
• Ami 8
• Diana (Dyane)
• Méhari
• H Van
• GS, GA
• CX
• DAK – a van based on the Dyane chassis
• Geri – a locally designed pickup

Citroën GS models were introduced in 1971 as imports, but by 1975, local assembly began in a new CIMOS factory in Nova Gorica. Versions included:

• GS Club Berline
• GS Special Break (both with 1222 cc engines)
• Later: GS Pallas, GS X, GS Super (1299 cc), and GA

Some models were uniquely fitted with four round headlights due to overproduction by a local supplier. These lights were also used in regional Ladas and even in Citroën export models, such as the “Grand Exportation” series and Indonesian versions. In total, an estimated 15,000 GS and 1,500 GSA units were assembled.

Despite strong demand, Citroën prohibited exports, which hurt the venture’s sustainability. In 1985, Citroën stopped supplying parts, ending the collaboration.

2CV Museum – 𝐄𝐱𝐡𝐢𝐛𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐬/𝐂𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐬 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲

As part of the 25th International Meeting of 2CV Friends, we’re putting together a special exhibition dedicated to the 𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐜𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐟 𝐂𝐢𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐞̈𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐮𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐚, set in a 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫 𝐘𝐮𝐠𝐨𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐯 𝐀𝐫𝐦𝐲 𝐛𝐮𝐧𝐤𝐞𝐫 in Postojna.

From the 1950s onward, iconic Citroëns were assembled under license by 𝐓𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐬 and later 𝐂𝐢𝐦𝐨𝐬 in Koper and shaped the automotive scene (and many childhoods) across Yugoslavia.

Our exhibition will bring together that history with a unique display of 𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐢𝐜 𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐬, along with 𝐫𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐜𝐮𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬, 𝐩𝐮𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬, 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐚, and more!

Make sure to catch it 𝐛𝐞𝐭𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐧 𝟑𝟎 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝟑 𝐀𝐮𝐠𝐮𝐬𝐭, open from 𝟏𝟎:𝟎𝟎 to 𝟏𝟖:𝟎𝟎. You will able to get there by car or by special shuttle bus that will ride everyday and stop both in the center of Postojna and at the museum.

Location of the 2CV Museum: LINK, coordinates: 45°47’19.3″N, 14°12’21.8″E