The HY was launched by Citroën in 1948. Post-war France needed utilities at the time to rebuild the country and revive the economy. It was made under the leadership of Pierre Boulanger, who chose specifications that favoured practicality, robustness and the use of existing parts in the range. In fact, its development began during the war in the utmost secrecy and without attracting the attention of the occupying forces. Its 1,200 kg payload and ease of loading allowed it to last for decades. With its characteristic 'corrugated plate body', the HY was a familiar sight in Europe and again today, now mostly as a food truck. The car remained in production virtually unchanged for 34 years, a record for a van.