PSA, for the eighth year running, again leads French Patent filing.

France's National Intellectual Property Institute (INPI) ranking confirms that PSA Peugeot Citroën is once again the country's leading patent filer, with 1,036 patent applications published in 2014.

PSA Peugeot Citroën's R&D strategy is based on a tradition of innovation that has won the INPI's recognition for the eighth year in a row. The INPI ranking reflects the commitment of the Group's teams to implementing innovative solutions that will shape the car of the future.

Gilles Le Borgne, Executive Vice President, R&D Operations, said:

"Our active patent strategy delivers clear competitive advantages, while allowing the Group to control the use of its proprietary innovations. It's also a key tool for accelerating the Group's expansion in all of its host regions."

The one thousand plus patents filed in 2014 relate to three main R&D challenges: emission reduction, connected services and the development of automated systems that will ultimately drive the autonomous vehicle. 

They also concern appealing, differentiating technological innovations intended to enhance the identity of the Group’s three brands.

Reducing fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions

As a result of a long-term innovation process, PSA Peugeot Citroën is the European leader in terms of CO₂emission reduction, with average emissions of 110.3 g/km.

Setting the benchmark in its category, the three-cylinder EB Turbo PureTech petrol engine has 120 patents to its name, and the 100 patents filed for the BlueHDi exhaust system have made the Peugeot 208 1.6l BlueHDi the world's most fuel-efficient internal combustion vehicle, with CO₂ emissions of just 79 g/km.

A priority objective is lowering vehicle weight to reduce fuel consumption, particularly through the use of composite materials. With more than 60 patents published on weight reduction, PSA Peugeot Citroën received an innovation prize at the JEC Europe Composites Show & Conferences for a composite structural concept that is capable of replacing steel.

Enhancing the appeal of its vehicles

PSA Peugeot Citroën's innovations are applied to Peugeot, Citroën and DS vehicles depending on the strategy adopted by each brand.

For example, the Peugeot 208 is now available with a textured paint finish – a world first for a production vehicle – which changes shade and appearance in response to light.

Similarly, the Citroën C4 Cactus sports the exclusive Airbump® side impact protection system which on 2 April 2015 was named the 2015 World Car Design of the Year at the New York International Auto Show.

Borrowing directly from the Divine DS, Wild Rubis and Numero 9 concept cars, the DS 3 is equipped with the DS LED Vision signature lighting system, which clearly illustrates how technology and attractiveness can go hand in hand.