Citroen at the Shanghai Motor Show, New model, more concepts and loads of new tech.

Citroën confirms its worldwide offensive in the SUV segment with the presentation of two new models at the 2017 Shanghai Motor Show. 

C5 Aircross makes its global debut, alongside the C-Aircross Concept that previews the brand’s future compact SUV: C3 Aircross. These two new models represent a new generation of Citroën SUV focused on comfort. 

The Citroën brand also expresses its expertise in the sedan segment, which remains a key category in China. New C5, produced and marketed in China, has received a design and technology update for extra occupant well-being. 

The advanced CXPERIENCE Concept also makes its first appearance in China. This concept car features all the elements of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme and previews future large Citroën models. 

China is a key market for Citroën. The brand sold more than 250,000 cars in the country in 2016, accounting for roughly one in five Citroën sales worldwide. 

Dongfeng Citroën is expanding its range with the world premiere of the New C5 Aircross SUV. Set for launch in China in the second half of 2017, this new model will subsequently see production and its commercial launch in Europe at the end of 2018.

Alongside New C5 Aircross, the brand will showcase the C-Aircross Concept which previews Citroën's future compact SUV. Citroën can announce today that the production version will be called C3 Aircross. New C3 Aircross will be launched in Europe before the end of 2017.

In China, these two new models will sit alongside the Citroën C3-XR, an SUV with an assertive personality and Dongfeng Citroën's second best-selling model in 2016, with nearly 150,000 units sold since launch in 2015.

Dongfeng Citroën also boasts a complete range of sedans, including New C6, launched late in 2016 and C-Elysée, which was recently restyled and updated. More than 300,000 C-Elysée models have been sold since launch.

Citroën is further strengthening its position in the sedan segment with the renewal of the C5 for China, which is a modern and prestigious model with benchmark comfort that is making its debut appearance on the motor show stand. 

Visit the Dongfeng Citroën stand at the Shanghai Motor Show on 19 and 20 April (press days) and from 21 to 28 April (public days).

Press Conference on 19 April at 10.40am local time on the Citroën stand in Hall 7.2.

The following executives will be available for interview:

• Linda Jackson, Citroën CEO
• Xavier Peugeot, Citroën's Director of Product Planning
• Arnaud Belloni, Citroën's Head of Marketing & Communication
• Alexandre Malval, Citroën Design Director
• Thierry Perron, Project Manager - Citroën Advanced Comfort®

01 - CITROËN'S OFFENSIVE IN THE SUV SEGMENT

WORLD PREMIERE: NEW C5 AIRCROSS

Directly inspired by the Aircross concept car presented at the Shanghai Motor Show in 2015, 

New C5 Aircross is a ‘people-minded’ SUV combining assertive design with an interior dedicated to well-being for all passengers. The new model stands apart through its unique character, dynamism and presence. 

Remarkably spacious for all occupants, it harnesses the latest technology to give owners an easier and safer drive, and takes a modern and all-encompassing approach to comfort.

New C5 Aircross marks a major step forward in the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme with the world debut of a suspension system equipped with Progressive Hydraulic Cushions™, which is unique to the Citroën brand. The technology will be illustrated on the stand with a demonstration showing how the system filters out road imperfections.

CHINA PREMIERE: C-AIRCROSS CONCEPT

Unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show earlier this year, the C-Aircross Concept previews Citroën's future compact SUV, which is intended for worldwide sale. The concept car adopts the principles of the Citroën Advanced Comfort® programme. The production model will be launched in Europe at the end of 2017 with the name C3 Aircross.

C3-XR: A MAJOR SUCCESS IN CHINA

An instantly recognisable SUV, the C3-XR inspires an impression of robustness, elegance and vitality. A unique Citroën characteristic, comfort is central to this design of this successful model. 

The car boasts class-leading accommodation, a spacious and welcoming driver’s cockpit, and a suspension system worthy of the very best sedans. 

The C3-XR is also equipped with the latest innovations for easier use, with its technological equipment (including keyless entry and start, a reversing camera and Grip Control) and connectivity through Citroën's telematics services.

02 - CITROËN STRENGTHENS ITS POSITION IN THE SEDAN SEGMENT

WORLD PREMIERE: NEW C5

Citroën is presenting New C5, a modern and expressive sedan designed for the most demanding Chinese customers. The new model features elegant and prestigious styling outside and inside, with an emphasis on modernity and comfort. It retains and reinforces the strong points of the previous C5.

The expressive and modern new front end is typically Citroën, with two-tier lights including LED daytime running lights. Underlined by chrome, they broaden the front end while highlighting the chevrons. 

The new car's expressive and modern gaze features full LED technology. At the back, the wide Matrix LED lights have a captivating look with four modules on each side, producing an original and immediately recognisable light signature.

The interior is as impressively modern as the exterior, representing a major leap forward in terms of perceived quality and technology. The dashboard houses a 12-inch digital instrument cluster with customisable settings, as well as an 8-inch touchscreen. 

The broad and tall central console reinforces the feeling of travelling aboard a high-end sedan. Comfort remains a C5 strong point with broad and welcoming seats, peerless suspension comfort and optimised acoustics for the well-being of all passengers. 

New C5 is also equipped with useful and reassuring driver assistance systems for complete peace-of-mind, including blind spot monitoring, lane-keeping assistance, a collision alert system and 360° Vision.

CHINA PREMIERE: CXPERIENCE CONCEPT

With its distinctive and extraordinary body styling, the CXPERIENCE Concept points to the future of large Citroën sedans. The concept car's posture exudes a strong presence. The body shapes are well balanced, and the short overhangs and long wheelbase underline the spacious interior.

The cabin of the CXPERIENCE Concept features premium materials, decorated in a shade synonymous with a fresh and optimistic mindset. The generous and inviting seats offer unrivalled comfort and support. The 19-inch screen is a highlight cabin feature. Functioning as the vehicle control centre, it removes unnecessary controls from the dashboard and reinforces the impression of width and space.

03 - A STAND REFLECTING THE BRAND'S TRANSFORMATION

A SHOW STAND THAT PREVIEWS THE NETWORK’S FUTURE IDENTITY

Citroën is in the midst of a global transformation, with a 360° brand experience strategy that puts the customer at the heart of its business. The whole ecosystem of the brand is included, covering products, dealers and services. This approach is showcased on the 850m² stand, where the brand's values of optimism and well-being are reinterpreted through soft and warm materials. It brings visitors a relaxing and colourful experience.

‘La Maison Citroën’ at the entrance to the stand offers a visual and sensory experience, and previews new design concepts at Citroën dealerships. The colours and materials on display are presented as if in a fashion salon.

Regarding services, Dongfeng Citroën came top in the 2016 J.D. Power survey of service quality and customer satisfaction, making Citroën the only mainstream carmaker to figure in the top three in both categories for four years in a row.

UK RECALL #12 - Citroen follows Sister brand Peugeot with recalling models for airbags that fail to deploy properly.

Vehicle Details
Reference :	R/2016/171
Manufacturer Ref :	NSY
Make:	CITROEN
Model :	C5, Berlingo III and Jumpy III
Launch Date :	20/07/2016
Numbers Involved :	967
Build Start Date :	26/04/2016
Build End Date :	02/05/2016

Recall Details
Concern :	AIRBAG MAY INCORRECTLY DEPLOY
Description :	On affected vehicles the driver's air bag inflation device may not conform to specification. As a result may not deploy correctly during an impact.
Remedial Action :	Replace the driver's air bag module on affected vehicles
Vehicle Id :	VF3******GZ023603 to VF3******GJ676851 VF3******GZ023603 to VF3******GJ676851 VF3******GZ023603 to VF3******GJ676851

Other Vehicles Affected (Click the vehicle to perform an extended search)

CITROEN - JUMPY CITROEN - BERLINGO CITROEN - C5

PSA issues a statement on the tests conducted by the Government on the possibility of emissions errors.

The results of the tests conducted by the technical committee led by French environment minister Ségolène Royal have now been communicated to us. These results attest to the absence of anomalies on PSA Peugeot Citroën vehicles.

The pictures below are for illustrative purposes only, and are not to be considered to be part of any investigation, or for the vehicles pictured to be considered as cars with possible "cheat devices", if you are unsure, then contact your local dealership, PSA has been shown to be cheat free.

The purpose of the tests, which were carried out by French testing laboratory UTAC, was to verify vehicle compliance with regard to pollutant emissions. The test results confirm the validity of PSA Peugeot Citroën’s choices in terms of pollutant emission treatment technology.

These initial results also confirm the effectiveness of the BlueHDi after-treatment system, which includes selective catalytic reduction (SCR) technology positioned upstream of the particulate filter, to treat the nitrogen oxides (NOx) released by diesel engines. This technology has been deployed on all of the Group’s Euro6 vehicles since late 2013.

PSA Peugeot Citroën has not been the subject of a search by France’s General Directorate for Competition Policy, Consumer Affairs and Fraud Control (DGCCRF).

Citroen climbs the ladder with a better result in the 2015 Auto Express Driver Power survey results.

The 2015 Auto Express Driver Power dealer rankings survey has produced a strong set of results for Citroën in sales, aftersales and overall customer satisfaction. The survey measured responses of 60,988 car owners, across 200 different models. 

Relating to factors such as the atmosphere and helpfulness offered in showrooms and service centres, to vehicle performance, reliability and practicality. Citroën’s ranking climbed six places from 2014, with a satisfaction rating of 85.72%.

The results showed an improved experience across the board for Citroën customers, with satisfaction regarding key vehicle ownership factors such as fuel economy and reliability performing well alongside the overall customer experience.  

Citroën customers rated their satisfaction with the fuel efficiency of their vehicles as above average compared to the other manufacturers surveyed. In terms of reliability, survey respondents named this as one of the most important factors contributing to a satisfactory ownership experience. Nearly 30% of Citroën customers identified reliability as the best thing about their car.

As well as rating customer ownership experiences, satisfaction with purchasing and servicing was also assessed. Citroën franchised dealership scores climbed 11 places up to 6^th overall for sales, and up 15 places to 9^th for aftersales.

Bekir Hassan, Citroën Brand Director, commented on the results, saying, “The results published today in this highly influential survey are really good news for Citroën. It’s important that we review independent feedback like the Auto Express Driver Power survey to see where we’re doing well and what we can improve on. 

This year’s results illustrate that this process is working, with improvements across the board for Citroën.”

The full results of the Driver Power survey can be found in the 29 July special issue of Auto Express.

PSA group sees growth on all three brands with new metal and tech to continue the growth.

• Worldwide sales up 0.4% to 1,547,000 units^[1]
• Sales advance in Europe, China, India-Pacific and Middle East & Africa – now the Group's third largest growth market
• Assertive brand positioning:
  • Worldwide success for the Peugeot 308, the brand's bestselling model
  • Citroën C4 Cactus gets seal of approval with 90,000 units sold since its launch a year ago and 35 awards across the world
  • Premium brand DS continues its development with the launch of the new DS 5
• The Group consolidates its position as European leader in CO₂ emission reduction with average CO₂emissions of 106.9g/km in the first five months of 2015, thanks in particular to the popularity and performance of its three-cylinder petrol range

Consolidated sales in Europe rose 2.9% year on year to 984,000

Peugeot sales were up 6.7% as a result of the excellent performance delivered by the Peugeot 308, the third bestselling model in the C segment (sedans and estates) in Europe and the segment leader in France. In the B-SUV segment, the Peugeot 2008 held onto its no. 2 ranking in Europe with 57% of sales generated on the two highest trim levels.

Citroën registrations climbed 2.8% in the first half, reflecting the brand repositioning which began a year ago, its well-rounded sales policy and the success of its latest passenger car models. The Citroën C4 Cactus generated sales of more than 43,000 units over the period and was well received by international critics, garnering awards such as "World Car Design of the Year" in New York in April. Sales of the new Citroën C1 came in at 32,000 units, a staggering 54% higher than the previous version.

DS sales jumped 14.8% between the first and second quarters to reach 40,700 units, driven by the launch of the new DS 5. The brand pursued its long-term premium positioning strategy during the period, launching "1955" limited edition models across the range to mark the 60th anniversary of the very first DS.

First-half 2015 also saw the opening of several new DS Stores, most recently in Paris, Geneva, Luxembourg and Milan, taking the DS network's total to 9 DS STORE and 65 DS SALON.

In China and Southeast Asia, PSA Peugeot Citroën sales totalled 368,000 vehicles, a 2.2% improvement on first-half 2014.

For the second year running, Peugeot was one of the fastest growing international brands on the market with sales up 11.1% year on year in China: SUV 2008 and 3008 sales surged 34%; the new 408 sedan got off to an excellent start, selling 68% more units than the old model; while the launch of the 308 S in April also contributed positively.

In China, Citroën sales retreated 6.7% compared with first-half 2014, mainly as a result of the discontinuation of low-margin models, including the old C-Elysée, and a lull in the market for notchback sedans, which accounted for all of the brand's sales until the successful launch of the C3-XR SUV in December 2014 (nearly 30,000 units sold). The Citroën C-Elysée remains the brand's bestseller with more than 46,000 units sold over the period. 

DS sales rose 4% in China in the first half of 2015 thanks in particular to the success of the DS 6. The brand also continued to develop its distribution network and now has 84 DS Stores covering 60 major cities. China currently represents 20% of the brand's worldwide sales.

Middle East & Africa: a profitable international lever of the Back in the Race plan

In the first half of the year, the Group consolidated the strong positions it holds in a number of countries in its historical Middle East & Africa markets: leading the market in Tunisia and ranking second in Morocco and third in Algeria.

Peugeot sold 61,700 units in the first half, advancing 11% compared with the same period in 2014. The brand's performance was buoyed by the recovery in the Turkish market, where it gained 0.6 market share points. In Algeria, Peugeot also improved its market share, from 10.8% to 13%, and consolidated its position as the country's no.3 player.

Citroën sales shot up by 53% to 38,300 units on the back of market share gains in two of the region's major markets, Turkey and Algeria (1 point and 0.5 points respectively), thanks in particular to strong demand for the Citroën C-Elysée, the brand's bestselling model in both countries.

Markets remained slow in Latin America and Eurasia where Peugeot and Citroën focused on improving their margins by placing an emphasis on their most profitable vehicles and those manufactured locally. In Mexico, Peugeot sales jumped 19.6% owing to the success of the Peugeot 301 and the Peugeot Partner as well as the recent launch of the new Peugeot 308.

In the India-Pacific region, Peugeot sales rose sharply, particularly in South Korea (up 132%), driven by sales of the Peugeot 2008. Citroën also enjoyed robust growth, particularly in Japan, with deliveries up 67% thanks to the strong performance of the Grand C4 Picasso.

Commenting on the sales results for the first half of 2015:

Maxime Picat, Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot brand said: "With worldwide sales up 3.9%, led by the resounding success of the 308 and our best-in-class technology, the Peugeot brand has confirmed its pulling power and sent a message of confidence about the future."

Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Citroën brand said: "Boosted by the success of its recent launches, Citroën continued to make headway in the first half of the year with higher volumes in Europe. In China, the Citroën C3-XR SUV made an excellent market debut following its launch at the end of December. We are pursuing the worldwide repositioning we began just one year ago, as demonstrated by the Citroën Aircross concept unveiled in April. The concept reflects our ability to flout convention in all segments."

Yves Bonnefont, Chief Executive Officer, DS brand said: "We are continuing to roll out the DS brand globally, with the new DS 5, new engines for the DS 4 and DS 3, and new connected services for the entire range. These new products and services strengthen our offering and reaffirm our brand's positioning at the crossroads of technology and refinement. We also opened several DS Stores during the first half of the year in such major cities as Geneva, Milan and Paris."

PSA Peugeot-Citroen-DS to build a new facility in Morocco which follows Renault building African Sales.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen plans to build a car factory in Morocco as part of an effort to increase its sales in Africa, following in the footsteps of French rival Renault, two people familiar with the matter said.

The plant would initially have a capacity of fewer than 100,000 vehicles a year, and PSA may announce the project publicly as early as June, according to the people, who asked not to be named because the talks are private.

The first Moroccan-assembled vehicles would come from the middle to lower portion of PSA's product range and be sold in the region, the people said.

PSA's sales in Africa and the Middle East dropped 25 percent last year to 169,400 vehicles. That was 5.8 percent of its total sales.

Once its factory is built, PSA would still have less than a third of the Moroccan production capacity of Renault and its Japanese partner Nissan. 

The French-Japanese alliance's 1 billion-euro ($1.11 billion) plant in Tangier builds low-cost Dacia-branded models such as the Sandero hatchback, the Dokker small van and the Lodgy wagon. Renault also opened a factory near Oran, Algeria, late last year, which could build as many as 75,000 units a year.

Morocco is familiar territory for PSA chief executive Carlos Tavares, who helped oversee Renault's ramping up of its factory in Tangier in his previous role as Renault's director of operations.

The new factory would be the first wholly owned and operated by PSA in Africa. PSA signed an agreement last year with Nigerian manufacturer PAN Nigeria Ltd. to assemble its 301 compact car in Kaduna, and eventually perhaps also the larger 508 sedan and the 308 hatchback.

PSA, Europe's second-biggest carmaker after Volkswagen, is seeking to lower its reliance on its home region. The Paris-based company sold about 60 percent of its vehicles in Europe last year.

Pierre-Olivier Salmon, a PSA spokesman, declined to comment.

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