Jaguar Designer gets interviewed in the new XJR575 at 186mph, now that looks fun !!!

Jaguar designer Wayne Burgess answers questions at top speed to mark launch of new performance saloon

• Jaguar XJR575 has more power than any previous XJ with a top speed of 186 mph
• Performance saloon accelerates from 0-62mph (100km/h) in just 4.4 seconds – and from 0-186mph in 44 seconds
• 5.0-litre V8 Supercharged engine produces 700Nm of torque
• New addition continues Jaguar’s heritage of luxurious refinement and interior comfort with upgraded performance and unique design touches
• Electronic Active Differential enables fine control of power delivery and maximises traction
• Two new paint options from Special Vehicle Operations division ensure XJR575 is more individual than ever
• Enhancements to Touch Pro Infotainment system include larger 10-inch touchscreen and 4G Wi-Fi
• Intelligent safety measures include Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist and Driver Condition Monitoring
• Wayne Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects at Jaguar, quizzed by TV presenter and racer Amanda Stretton in the back of the XJR575
• Jaguar XJR575 is available to order now at Jaguar UK retailers, priced from £93,710 OTR

Jaguar has launched the new XJR575 with a high-speed interview starring designer Wayne Burgess being questioned by TV presenter and race driver Amanda Stretton as the performance saloon accelerates from 0-186mph.

Lasting just 44 seconds – the time it takes Jaguar’s fastest-ever XJ saloon to reach its top speed – Burgess gave a quick-fire insight into the development of the potent new model.

The high velocity interview was almost over before it began, but the unrelenting acceleration of the new XJ flagship did not stop Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects Director at Jaguar, from providing a unique take on the performance saloon. 

“I have done plenty of short interviews in my time, but nothing quite like this! It might have been a bit of fun but doesn’t it just demonstrate perfectly the extreme performance of the new XJR575. I could barely finish answering those quick-fire questions before we hit 186mph and then it was all over! Can we go again?”

Wayne Burgess, Production Studio Director and SVO Projects, Jaguar

The XJR575 is the new performance flagship for the XJ range with power up from 550PS to 575PS, delivering 0-62mph (100 km/h) in just 4.4 seconds. Jaguar Land Rover’s 5.0-litre V8 supercharged engine also provides 700Nm of torque, providing the new addition to the range with effortless acceleration and refinement.

Customers will be able to choose between two bespoke exterior colour finishes created by Special Vehicle Operations – Velocity Blue and Satin Corris Grey – while additional tailor-made exterior details include a rear spoiler, side sills, front bumper and lower air intakes featuring gloss black surrounds.

Updated exterior badging and twin bonnet louvres mark the vehicle out from the rest of the range, as do the red brake callipers that accompany the 20-inch Farallon gloss-black wheels. Bespoke embossed tread plates alongside intaglio and diamond-quilted seating add a final flourish to the XJR575’s interior.

“This is a performance vehicle, but that doesn’t mean we have had to cut any corners when it comes to comfort or design. Jaguar is the standard bearer for interior refinement and the XJR575 is no different. It can go very quickly, but it does so with the serene comfort customers expect from a Jaguar saloon. That makes this a very special car indeed.”

Ian Callum, Director of Design, Jaguar

The XJR575 is manufactured at Jaguar Land Rover's Castle Bromwich plant alongside the XE, XF, F-TYPE and XJ model lines.

The new Jaguar XJR575 model is available to order now from Jaguar UK retailers, priced from £93,710 OTR.

Bentley Motor's launches a new limited Edition Continental GTC based on British Yachts.

• New, limited edition of the Continental GT Convertible by Mulliner
• Inspired by luxury yachting
• Sophisticated maritime opulence and exquisite material detailing
• Mulliner introduces Pinstripe Walnut, a new bespoke wood finish
• Limited edition named after the Greek goddess of calm seas, Galene
• Jaume Vilardell handpainted illustration adorns front fascia panel
• Limited to just 30 examples worldwide

Bentley Motors is today announcing the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition by Mulliner, inspired by luxury yachts.

Bentley’s bespoke commissioning division, Mulliner, has created the ultimate edition of the Continental GT Convertible in collaboration with British yacht experts, Princess Yachts, and takes inspiration from yacht design.

Defined by brilliant Glacier White and Sequin Blue hues externally, and inspired by the clean, confident design lines and materials of yachts internally, the Galene Edition by Mulliner combines the best elements of an oceanic lifestyle with luxury convertible motoring.

It is powered by Bentley’s refined 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 powerplant, with 507 PS and 660 Nm and benefits from Bentley’s elegant, four-layered retractable hood which keeps occupants in the same unruffled environment that the hard-top Continental GT coupe provides.

Designed by the Ocean: Clean, Confident Lines

The external design of the new Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition by Mulliner captures the iridescent sparkle of crystal clear waters.

Painted in pristine Glacier White, with a matching bodywork kit, the Galene Edition is specified with lower brightware in Sequin Blue, a timeless detail and elegant reminder of the life aquatic. A dark blue hood and striking 21” polished Propeller Wheels complete Mulliner’s external signature on the Galene Edition.

Inspired by Luxury Yachts, Created by Mulliner

The interior of the Continental GT Convertible Galene Edition pays homage to the classic opulence, finest hand-crafted materials and exquisite details that are championed both by yachts and Bentley cars.

The seats are in Linen and Portland hides with Camel hand cross stitching, the door panels are Linen, Portland and Brunel. Linen, Brunel and Camel accentuate the dashboard, centre console and armrests, whilst the steering wheel is Linen and Brunel with a Camel 12 o’clock stripe. The detailed headrest embroidery is in Camel and the Glacier White stowage case is exquisitely lined in Brunel Alcantara.

The Glacier White external paintwork is echoed inside, in the stowage case and fascia panels, which can be specified with a unique handpainted Jaume Vilardell illustration of a super yacht alongside the Mulliner script in each car. It also coats the clock bezel in the Galene Edition, creating an interior space full of light and luxury.

Pinstripe Walnut: Commissioned for the Galene Edition

Inspired by the timeless appeal of sophisticated yacht design, Mulliner has created a new material finish – Pinstripe Walnut – for the Galene Edition.

This distinctive surface is used in open-pore form, for a more authentic, natural finish, in the centre stack and console.

A Pinstripe Walnut insert also adds a note of understated elegance to the bespoke illuminated treadplates in the Galene Edition, and lines the boot floor, creating a striking harmony with the rest of this graceful series, limited to just 30 examples worldwide, by Mulliner.

SCe 75 engine becomes available for New Dacia Sandero & New Logan MCV Lauréate.

• SCe 75 engine becomes available for New Sandero and New Logan MCV Lauréate
• Height Adjustment Pack becomes standard on Ambiance trim
• New Sandero Lauréate SCe 75 priced at £8,595
• New Logan MCV Lauréate SCe 75 priced at £9,895
• The new engine and trim combination for both models is available to order now

Dacia is making a number of updates to the New Sandero and New Logan MCV ranges. The efficient SCe 75 engine is now offered with Lauréate trim for both cars. In response to customer demand, the Height Adjustment Pack becomes standard equipment for Ambiance trim. The New Sandero Ambiance remains the most affordable car on the UK market equipped with air conditioning.

The frugal SCe 75 engine was previously available on the Access and Ambiance trims for New Sandero and New Logan MCV. Now customers looking for economy and low emissions can also enjoy the generous equipment of Lauréate, which includes satellite navigation and rear parking sensors.

The new 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine produces the same power as the outgoing 1.2-litre 16V 75, but is up to 10 per cent more efficient.

Equipped with the SCe 75 engine, the New Sandero returns 54.3mpg (NEDC combined cycle) and CO2 emissions of 117g/km. It allows the Sandero to accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 14.2 seconds on the way to a top speed of 98mph. The New Logan MCV SCe 75 achieves 52.3mpg (NEDC combined cycle) and 120g/km of CO2. It can accelerate from standstill to 62mph in 14.7 seconds and has a top speed of 98mph.

The new engine and trim combination will be available from later in the year, but can be ordered now.

Ambiance trim for both vehicles will have the previously optional Height Adjustment Pack fitted as standard. The pack consists of height adjustment for the driver’s seat, steering wheel and front seatbelts.

The New Sandero Ambiance SCe 75 remains the most affordable new car on the UK market with air conditioning, priced at just over £1,500 lower than the nearest competitor.

Price details New Sandero Hatchback

Sandero	Engine	CO2 (g/km)	MPG (Combined)	Price (OTR)
Access	SCe 75	117g/km	54.3mpg	£5,995
Ambiance	SCe 75	117g/km	54.3mpg	£7,395
	TCe 90	109g/km	57.6mpg	£7,995
	dCi 90	90g/km	80.7mpg	£9,595
Lauréate	SCe 75	117g/km	54.3mpg	£8,595
	TCe 90	109g/km	57.6mpg	£9,195
	dCi 90	90g/km	80.7mpg	£10,795

Price details New Logan MCV

Version	Engine	CO2 (g/km)	MPG (Combined)	Price (OTR)
Access	SCe 75	120g/km	52.3mpg	£7,295
Ambiance	SCe 75	120g/km	52.3mpg	£8,695
	TCe 90	109g/km	57.6mpg	£9,295
	dCi 90	90g/km	80.7mpg	£10,895
Lauréate	SCe 75	120g/km	52.3mpg	£9,895
	TCe 90	109g/km	57.6mpg	£10,495
	dCi 90	90g/km	80.7mpg	£12,095

A series of fast Fords celebrate anniversaries at this years Fast Ford Show at Silverstone.

• Survey reveals Ford Sierra RS500 is the ‘Ultimate Cosworth’
• RS500’s 30th anniversary will be celebrated at Ford Fair, along with Escort Cosworth’s 25th
• UK’s biggest Ford show takes place at Silverstone, Northants, on August 6
• Thousands of classic and modern Fords to attend, along with Ford itself
• mountune to be headline sponsor

One of the most iconic performance cars of the 1980s is celebrating its 30th anniversary in style, having been named the ‘Ultimate Cosworth’ by one of the UK’s biggest one-make car shows.

The Ford Sierra RS500 Cosworth pipped its spiritual successor, the Escort RS Cosworth, to the post, securing over 55% of the votes in an online survey carried out by Ford Fair to determine which of the two icons was the daddy. The Escort also has a major anniversary in 2017, celebrating its 25th birthday.

A special display celebrating both of these famous fast Fords will be one of the main features of this year’s show, which takes place at Silverstone, Northants, on Sunday August 6.

The RS500 was originally developed for homologation purposes to give the Eighties’ favourite repmobile, the humble Ford Sierra, a chance to compete in World, European and British Touring Car Championships. It was famous in the UK, where it performed in the British Touring Car Championship in the hands of drivers such as Andy Rouse, Steve Soper and Tim Harvey. It also competed in the 1988 World Touring Car Championship and enjoyed success in Australia, too, in the hands of legendary Touring Car driver Dick Johnson.

Just 500 RS500 road cars were made, 75% of which were finished in black, the rest in either white or Ford’s distinctive Moonstone Blue. They were finished by Aston Martin Tickford, with a bigger turbo, while the main external identifier was its outrageous ‘whale tail’ spoiler – a far cry from the average showroom Sierra. 

In addition to the Cosworth anniversary feature, there are some other birthday’s being commemorated in special display areas. These include 15 years of the Mk1 Focus RS, 15 years of the Mondeo ST220 and 15 years of the Focus ST170 – yes, 2002 was a great year for fans of fast Fords.

Ford Fair will also have over 4,000 club cars on display, including many other classic and modern Fords, plus a special selection of cars from Ford itself, including the all-new Fiesta.

Other star features will include The Live Action Arena, which will once again be at the centre of the show, a live performance from stunt driver Paul Swift, bookable track time for show visitors and a dedicated Classic Zone, hosted by Classic Fordmagazine, which will play host to all manner of historic heroes from Anglia to Zodiac.

Once again, the event will see headline sponsorship from aftermarket Ford specialists, mountune, while Hardrace, KSport, BC Racing, BC Forged Wheels, Goodridge, Sky Insurance and ValetPRO are other key sponsors.

New for 2017, Ford Fair will also host the inaugural Fast Ford Awards sponsored by Sky Insurance. This special display will form part of the Fast Ford stand at the show, and will include winners of various categories, such as ‘Best Street Car’, ‘Best Engine Swap’, ‘Best Modern Ford’, ‘Best Old School Ford’ and many more.

This epic display of the UK’s finest fast Fords will coincide with the very latest issue of Fast Ford magazine – available to buy at the show a week before it hits the shops. The ‘Fast Ford Awards’ special issue will include full details of the various categories and all of winners. And, with all of the winners proudly on display at the front of the Fast Ford stand, you will be able to get up close and personal with the very cars in the magazine.

At the show, all of the Award winners will be entered into the Fast Ford People’s Choice Award, which will be decided on the day.

Also, you’ll find the Ford Fair merchandise marquee on the Fast Ford stand, where you can pick up the latest issue of the magazine, take advantage of some show-exclusive subscription deals, or get your hands on the latest branded goodies.

Other show highlights will include a Show & Shine sponsored by ValetPRO, individual entries, public track time and a packed retail village.

Already, over 4,000 Fords are booked into club displays, promising a fun-filled day for all fans of the UK’s most popular car brand.

For the chance to buy discounted tickets*, visit www.fordfair.co.uk

Push to Pass is working wonders at the PSA Group, lets see how they cope with vauxhall and Opel !

Successful execution of Push to Pass strategic plan

• Automotive recurring operating income at €1,442 million up by 10.7%, representing a record recurring operating margin of 7.3%[1]
• Group revenue at €29,165 million, up 5% vs 2016 H1
• Record Faurecia recurring operating margin1 at 5.7%
• Record Net income, group share, at €1,256 million
• Growth of net financial position at €7,631 million thanks to a positive €1,116 million Free Cash Flow[2]

"Groupe PSA record performance was achieved thanks to our customers who have made our last commercial launches great successes, and thanks to the continuous commitment of all Group employees in the execution of the Push to Pass plan, combining agility and business sense. The way the teams overcame headwinds brings confidence for the coming challenges." said Carlos Tavares, Chairman of Groupe PSA Managing Board.

Group revenues amounted to €29,165 million in the first half of 2017, up 5.0% compared to €27,779 million in the first half of 2016. The cumulated growth since the beginning of Push to Pass, excluding exchange rates impact, stands at +8.2%[3].

Automotive revenues amounted to €19,887 million, also up 3.6% compared to the first half of 2016, benefiting from the success of the new models and the pricing discipline.

Group recurring operating income amounted to €2,041 million, up 11.5% compared to the first half of 2016. The Automotive recurring operating income grew by 10.7% compared to the first half of 2016 at €1,442 million. This 7.3% record profitability level was reached despite raw material cost increases and exchange rate headwinds, thanks to a positive product mix and further cost reductions.

Group non-recurring operating income and expenses had a negative impact of -€112 million, compared to -€207 million in the first half of 2016.

Group net financial expenses decreased to €121 million, compared to €150 million in the first half of 2016.

Consolidated net income reached €1,474 million, up by €91 million, in spite of the negative impact of operations in China. Net income, Group share, reached €1,256 million, compared to €1,212 million in the first half of 2016.

Banque PSA Finance reported recurring operating income [4] of €312 million, up 5.1% compared to the first half of 2016.

Faurecia recurring operating income amounted to €587 million, an increase of 19.8% compared to the first half of 2016.

The Free Cash Flow of manufacturing and sales companies amounted to €1,116 million, driven by the improved profitability of operations.

Total inventory, including independent dealers, stood at 374,000 vehicles at 30 June 2017, down 25,000 units from end June 2016.

The manufacturing and sales companies' net financial position at 30 June 2017 was a positive €7,631 million, up €818 million compared to 31 December 2016.

Market outlook: for 2017, the Group expects the automotive market to grow by approximatively 3% in Europe, and 5% in China, Latin America and Russia.

Operational targets

The Push to Pass plan sets the following targets:

• Deliver over 4.5% Automotive recurring operating margin[5] on average in 2016-2018, and target over 6% by 2021;
• Deliver 10% Group revenue growth by 2018[6] vs 2015, and target additional 15% by 2021 [6].

Financial Calendar – 25 October 2017: third-quarter 2017 Revenue

Groupe PSA consolidated financial statements at 30 June 2017 were approved by the Managing Board on 20 July 2017 and reviewed by the Supervisory Board on 25 July 2017. The Group's Statutory Auditors have completed their audit and are currently issuing their report on the consolidated financial statements.

The interim results report and interim financial results presentation for 2017 are available at www.groupe-psa.com, in the “Analysts and Investors” section.

The next Ultimate McLaren is as quick as the P1, Lighter and more aggresive.

• New road legal hypercar set to be faster than all but the P1 GTR on track
• Second model in firm’s Ultimate Series after the P1, powered by an 800PS version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin-turbo V8
• Extremely light at 1,300kg with race-inspired pared-back interior
• Autocar images point to how the new extreme machine could look, featuring function-led all carbon bodywork
• More extreme than legendary F1 and P1, the full story on this incredible machine is in today’s Autocar magazine and online at http://bit.ly/2uu2L2Z

The most extreme road car in McLaren’s history is set to make its debut later this year – and Autocar has the full exclusive story.

Codenamed ‘P15’ and said to feature an 800PS engine with a strippedout interior and overall weight of less than 1,300kg, the new model will be the second in McLaren’s Ultimate Series range after the hybrid P1.

Designed to be the most extreme, track-ready but still road legal car in the line-up, McLaren’s engineers have reportedly been given the freedom to prioritise performance over everything else and the P15 is said to be faster on a racing circuit than any McLaren, bar the track-only P1 GTR.

At its heart is a tweaked version of McLaren’s 3.8-litre twin turbo V8 said to produce around 800PS (789bhp) – making it more powerful than the 727bhp produced by the road-going P1’s engine, but below the 903bhp peak achieved when the P1’s electric motor is also in operation.

However, the car’s weight is said to have been slashed by the use of McLaren’s latest Monocage II one-piece carbonfibre tub (which now includes the roof structure), and when combined with a race-inspired two-seater interior and no P1-style electrical powertrain, that should mean the P15 tips the scales at less than 1,300kg.

Against the 1,547kg P1, that would give the P15 an even better power-to-weight ratio, a crucial factor in achieving the goal of outstanding performance on the track. Straight-line performance is expected to match, if not beat, the P1’s figures of 0-60mph in 2.7 secs and a quarter mile time of 10.2 seconds. 

The car’s brutal styling is said to be the ultimate distillation of form following function with carbon bodywork used only where it delivers a performance, rather than aesthetic, benefit. Active aerodynamics, with self-adjusting spoilers (knowledge gleaned from McLaren’s F1 experience), not to mention a huge diffuser are also expected to dominate. Autocar has produced a set of images to give a first glimpse at how the P15 could look.

The official reveal will take place later this year, restricted to existing McLaren customers and potential buyers, followed by an official public debut at March 2018’s Geneva Motor Show. A price tag of around £700,000 plus tax (£840,000 in the UK) is mooted with production set to be limited to just 500 cars.

While other McLaren models such as the 675 have spawned Longtail (LT) and Spider open-top variants, the track focused natured of the P15 has ruled these out. However, as it will be a road car, there is the potential for a track-only GTR version as McLaren did with the P1 and P1 GTR.

Autocar editor Mark Tisshaw said: “McLaren has always been relentless in the pursuit of performance – but with Aston Martin’s upcoming Valkyrie and the Mercedes-AMG Project One set to redefine the rules of the hypercar market, it has to keep ahead of the game. Hence the P15.

“There’s no doubt that this will be an incredible machine, but what McLaren has learned of late is to create a car with a broad dynamic brief. With track performance as its goal, the P15 will obviously be outrageous on a racing circuit, but with that low weight, pared-back cabin and non-hybrid powerplant, it promises to be exceptional on the road too. If it does that, it will have created arguably an even better car than the P1 - some achievement.

“These are certainly exciting times for the Woking-based firm as the P15 will also joined by a three-seat, F1-inspired hyper-GT – another story broken exclusively by Autocar. Codenamed BP23, the car will be revealed next year and arrive in 2019.”

The All-New DS 7 Crossback is going on a UK Tour before it is available for uk Sales.

• For the DS brand, 2017 is a year of far-reaching transformation - the first-half of which saw product developments with the reveal of the first of the brand’s next-generation models – the DS 7 CROSSBACK - followed by themed Limited Edition DS 3 and DS 4 CROSSBACK
• The DS brand is progressing with its commitment to develop high-end, exclusive cars that are emblems of innovation combining the excellence of French know-how.
• The strategy is supplemented by the implementation of a dedicated DS network and the digitisation of showrooms. Some 40 DS Stores and DS Salons are currently under construction and that number rises to around 70 going forward.
• Other key developments include the roll-out of the DS customer experience programme - Only You - which involves far-reaching high-end customer experiences and services.

Arnaud Leclerc, DS brand development director UK, commented: "In the first-half of 2017, DS Automobiles continued with its construction, reinforced its basis as a premium brand and unveiled the first of its next generation products with DS 7 CROSSBACK, the SUV by DS, and supplemented by a range of themed limited edition models with the DS 3 Ines de la Fressange and DS 4 CROSSBACK Moondust.

“The brand’s network of DS Stores and DS Salons has also made progress with the planning, development and construction of a network of advanced showroom and service centres with multi-channel distribution, a recruitment programme and training plans for DS Expert Advisors. Also DS is soon to start its DS customer experience programme - Only You - aimed at forging a unique and personalised relationship with each one of our customers.

“From this far-reaching transformation is born the development of an exclusive, high-end French brand, out to win over new customers with a customer experience and the opportunity to drive desirable cars that combine advanced technological features within a charismatic design."

DS BRAND CULTIVATES THE EXCLUSIVENESS AND RARITY OF ITS MODELS

In the premium car market, the DS 3 / DS 3 CABRIO remains the timeless, stylish and chic Parisian vehicle, supplemented by the equally distinctive DS 4 hatchback, DS 4 CROSSBACK and DS 5 executive hatchback.

To cultivate the exclusiveness and rarity of these models in their current collection and meet the needs of customers looking to express themselves personally, DS has launched themed limited edition models:

• DS 3 Ines de la Fressange Limited Edition is an exclusive and distinctive hatchback, strong on refinement and character. It combines the referencing of an automotive icon applauded for its inimitable styling and personalisation offer with a key figure in stylish Parisian fashion – Ines was the original face of Chanel.
• DS 4 CROSSBACK Moondust Limited Edition was also launched in March, has an original personality discernible from the very first glance. It stands out from the crowd with its matt Platinum Grey paint finish. Supplemented with a high-end interior, featuring black grained leather.
• DS 3 Connected Chic is a new trim level and has the alliance of elegance and connectivity. Incorporating the most popular styling and technology features, like 17 inch alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, Black Contrast Pack (bi-tone paint including black roof / door mirror paint finish), Basalt Black cloth upholstery, satellite navigation, Mirror Screen with Mirror Link® and Apple CarPlayTM, alarm and automatic air conditioning.
• This quest for exclusiveness is also expressed in the enthusiasm for sportier-looking models and this is available range-wide with the DS Performance Line. This refined and dynamic trim level is available on DS 3, DS 3 CABRIO, DS 4 and DS5, and accounts for nearly 10% of the range sales of these models.

NOW ON TOUR IN THE UK AHEAD OF ITS ARRIVAL IN 2018, DS 7 CROSSBACK IS ON SHOW

DS 7 CROSSBACK was revealed on 28 February and made its world debut on 7 March at the Geneva International Motor Show. In May, a right-hand-drive one-off pre-production version embarked on a UK tour, displayed at DS sponsored events, at DS Stores and DS Salons and at DS network arranged locations, to bring about a wider awareness and one-to-one engagement with our first of the next generation car range, ahead of its arrival in DS showrooms in 2018.

The new SUV from DS is an embodiment of innovative savoir-faire (know-how) from Paris and the interest created by the involvement of the forthcoming DS 7 CROSSBACK was greatly enhanced by the inauguration of the new French president, Emmanuel Macron on 14 May. This is because the French Republic chose DS 7 CROSSBACK for the investiture ceremony. The event stands as a strong official debut for the new model, giving the world the chance to see the French president in an ultra-exclusive DS 7 CROSSBACK bespoke Presidential version. The Presidential model boasts an open roof, a black Art Leather interior and unique personalisation touches created by Atelier Maury, a world-renowned gilder. These special features add to the car's high-tech equipment and demonstrate the excellence of innovative know how from Paris.

FUTURE PLANNED DS 7 CROSSBACK UK TOUR DATES (subject to change):

• DS Automobiles Sponsored ‘Dinner-in-the-Sky’ London, Chelsea - 19th to 30th July
• BBC Countryfile Live event, Blenhiem Palace – 3rd to 6th August
• DS Salon Ipswich, John Grose – 10th to 12th August
• Intu Metrocentre, Gateshead – 16th to 19th August
• DS Automobiles Sponsored ‘Dinner-in-the-Sky’ - Newcastle - 24th to 29th August
• DS Store, Chatsworth – 31st August to 3rd September
• DS Automobiles Sponsored ‘Dinner-in-the-Sky’, Bristol - 7th to 8th September
• DS Automobiles Sponsored ‘Dinner-in-the-Sky’, Southampton - 21st to 24th September

EVOLVING DS NETWORK DEVELOPMENT AND SHOWROOM DIGITISATION

The DS network is rapidly evolving, with the first DS Urban Store opened at Westfield, Shepherds Bush in 2016 and the first DS Store unveiled in Manchester at the beginning of July, with plans for some 40 more by the year end, with a projected total of around 70 going forward. These will include DS Stores and DS Salons.

DS Stores are equipped with DS Virtual Vision to bring customers an industry-leading original experience that takes them on a high-quality immersive 3D journey through the whole DS vehicle collection. Equipped with a virtual-reality headset, visitors can configure their choice of models across DS the range – DS 3, DS 3CABRIO, DS 4 hatchback, DS 4 CROSSBACK, DS 5 executive hatchback, as well as the forthcoming DS 7 CROSSBACK and Limited Edition La Première model (available to order until 31st December 2017) - presented in life-size scale, by using all the personalisation possibilities, both with the interior and exterior. Visitors get to discover the models in a dynamic, interactive and captivating manner, and will no doubt enjoy finding themselves at Place de la Concorde in Paris alongside the DS of their choice.

There are three types of retail outlets for DS;

• DS Store (Over 250m²): this DS retail outlet offers the entire DS brand experience. It is a luxury boutique dedicated to the automotive industry with a unique atmosphere (colour scheme, furniture specially designed for DS, lighting effects, rooms scented with a DS essence fragrance, mood music, etc.). Its showroom has a capacity for exhibiting at least six vehicles. It is made up of a customer car park, a waiting room, a boutique selling accessories and merchandise, and a special after-sales reception.
• DS Salon (Over 125m²): this is a space dedicated to the DS brand. It has a distinct design identity inside (flooring, walls, ceiling, logo, sales desk, customer reception, and Lifestyle boutique) and outside (totem). At least three DS models are exhibited in a DS Salon.
• DS Urban Store: this new DS boutique concept with a focus on digital technology offers a retail outlet, a brand experience, and immersion in the DS world. Designed to blend well into an upmarket urban district with a high rate of passing trade, the store can be located at street level or nestled within a shopping centre.

The DS brand is also taking things further by moving into e-commerce with online reservations for DS 7 CROSSBACK La Première - a unique and exclusive Limited Edition launch model available to order in 2017. For those looking to be the first to get behind the wheel of DS 7 CROSSBACK, an internet connection and a few clicks on a dedicated online site: https://reservationlapremierefinance.ds7crossback.co.uk/ which allows clients to configure the precise chosen specification and even make payment adjustments to personalise their preferred repayment terms.

DS IS SOON TO BEGIN RECRUITING AND TRAINING DS EXPERT ADVISORS AND IMPLEMENTING THE ‘ONLY YOU’ UNIQUE AND PERSONALISED CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE PROGRAMME

Proposing exceptional products and rolling out multi-channel distribution by expanding the DS network and digitising showrooms is today being accompanied by a plan to recruit and train DS Expert Advisors. This development is also accompanied by new services as part of the ‘Only You – the DS Experience’ programme where DS customers can benefit from a distinctive, refined and avant-garde customer experience.

A pillar of the Brand's strategy, the Only You programme of exclusive services and privileges addresses all DS customers, whether having bought a DS model or a DS service for their mobility. Several initiatives are soon to be implemented in the UK in the forthcoming months that include DS Assistance, Club DS Privilege, DS at your Service, MyDS, and others, like DS Rent, which provides motorists with the chance to enjoy an adventure in a DS for several hours or days and thereby get to know and appreciate the models in the DS collection.

Proposing exceptional products, developing multi-channel distribution and implementing a unique and personalised customer experience are the three strategic pillars underpinning the construction and transformation of the DS brand. This far-reaching transformation will continue to accelerate development in the second-half of 2017, in readiness for the exciting events scheduled for 2018.