About satellites and more or less successful operating concepts in automotive engineering
While, logically, there was hardly any standardization of operating elements at the beginning of the automobile, car manufacturers tended to adapt to each other over time, not least to make it easier for car buyers to switch from one make to the next. However, this development, which is welcome in itself, also hindered progress here and there. Vehicle manufacturers therefore repeatedly tried to break away and present alternatives to conventional solutions.
Citroën repeatedly stood out in this respect and in 1974, with the Citroën CX, introduced "control satellites" on both sides of the steering wheel instead of steering column levers or dashboard-mounted switches.
The Automobil Revue described this innovation at the launch of the CX:
"The sides of this structure are extended towards the steering wheel and house buttons and switches for the lights, windshield wipers, washer system and horn, which can be operated effortlessly with the fingertips."
The feedback from the motoring press was mostly positive, but there were also critical comments. When Automobil Revue received the first test car, it summarized the opinion as follows:
"The most radical change of habits is undoubtedly required by the original consoles. These two small command consoles protrude from the ends of the dome-shaped instrument panel and each contain two pushbuttons and a switch for the indicators (as usual for Citroën without automatic reset), two-tone horn, windshield wipers with electric shower and hazard warning lights or car lights, headlight flasher and instrument panel lighting. Initially, not all drivers liked this arrangement of controls, but during the test it proved to be one of the best ergonomic solutions imaginable."
Citroën retained the ergonomically convincing arrangement for years, and other models were given variants of the innovation presented in the CX. Citroën drivers were enthusiastic, but the different design always attracted criticism. Citroën eventually abandoned the satellites and, like the rest of the car industry, installed more traditional steering column levers in its cars.
Had the worse solution once again prevailed?
By the way, if you would like to read more thoughts on inventions and innovations in vehicle construction , there is a dedicated topic channel on Zwischengas .
