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.

DS Automobiles moves into the second half of the year with some decent offers.

• DS Automobiles announces attractive offers - ideal for those purchasing a brand new 67-plate car in September.
• Prices range from £199/month for the new model DS3 Connected Chic and include attractive offers on the latest collection of Limited Edition models and range-topping DS5 with generous dealer contributions.
• These offers close at the end of September.

DS Automobiles announces a selection of attractive consumer offers across its model range, aimed at customers who are in the market for a car with a certain panache and style, with premium positioning, offering good value and French flair. 

With the new 67-plate September timing in mind, the marque’s latest campaign offers includes the new DS 3 Connected Chic trim level, and Limited Edition: DS 3 Inès de la Fressange, DS 4 CROSSBACK Terre Rouge and DS 4 CROSSBACK Moondust.

DS 3 is an elegant car with broad appeal from its Parisian chic personality and the perfect choice for individuals who appreciate personalisation. 

The new DS 3 Connected Chic model incorporates further attractive features, with 17 inch black diamond-cut ‘Aphrodite’ alloy wheels, LED front fog lights, Black Contrast Pack (bi-tone paint including black roof and door mirror paint finish), Basalt Black cloth upholstery, dark tinted windows, satellite navigation, Mirror Screen with Mirror Link® and Apple CarPlayTM, alarm and automatic air conditioning. 

DS 3 Connected Chic is available from £199/month over 36 months and includes a £700 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*, three-year warranty and DS roadside assistance.

For those who desire a sportier appearance with optimised efficiency, DS 3 Performance Line is a perfect choice, while those with more enthusiastic drives in mind can look to the capable DS 3 Performance model. The DS 3 Performance Line trim level features coloured stitching influenced by the colours of DS Performance – the motor sport & racing department of DS, on the leather sports steering wheel and seats, Performance Line badging, and is available from £239/month over 36 months with a £1,600 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*. DS 3 Performance models are available from £389/month over 36 months with a £1,000 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

Staying true to the promise of delivering authentic Limited Edition models that go further to express the DS brand’s avant-garde spirit and French heritage, DS 3 Inès de la Fressange is an exclusive model with only 200 of the distinctive models being made available in the UK. The Limited Edition model features an Ink Blue paint finish with Opal White roof and complemented on inside with sumptuous Granite Blue leather upholstery and equipped with DS LED Vision – exquisite looking Xenon headlights. DS 3 Inès de la Fressange Limited Edition is available from £269/month, over 36 months with a £1,600 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

DS 4 CROSSBACK is the brand’s adventurer model, aiming to strike the perfect balance between performance and elegance. The Limited Edition Moondust and Terre Rouge enhance the model’s versatility, offering a unique version for anyone who wishes to express their personality. The DS 4 CROSSBACK Moondust features a striking matt paint finish to its Platinum Grey bodywork, with DS LED Vision, touchscreen technology and luxurious Basalt Black grained leather interior trim. The Limited Edition model with PureTech 130 petrol engine is available from £395/month over 36 months and comes with a £2,800 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

Developed with dynamic looks and offering a refined driving experience, the DS 5 Performance Line adds sports styling to technical excellence, with serene levels of comfort and refinement. The model comes with an intuitive touchscreen, DS LED Vision technology. DS 5 Performance Line with the BlueHDi 150 Diesel engine and 6-speed manual transmission is available from £445/month over 36 months with a £2,950 manufacturer’s deposit contribution*.

For more information on DS Automobiles, visit the DS Website http://www.dsautomobiles.co.uk/home

*Terms and conditions apply

Images of forthcoming 67-plate DS cars, referencing the models mentioned above are available to use with this communication.

The 400,00th DS3 hatchback has been produced and handed over to it's new owner.

A DS 3 Performance Black recently became the 400,000^th DS 3 hatchback off the production line and is already on the road in France. The car was delivered to its new owner a few days ago by Julien Faux, Director of DS WORLD PARIS. 

DS 3 is the brand’s best-selling vehicle, with style and the wide range of personalisation options at the top of customers’ most popular reasons for purchase.

Built at the PSA Poissy manufacturing site near Paris, the 400,000^th DS 3 hatchback was delivered a few days ago to its owner, Marine Laurent, by Julien Faux, Director of DS WORLD PARIS.

With the guarantee ‘Made in France’, DS 3 was the first modern-day DS to be launched. DS 3 has always placed personalisation at the heart of the manufacturing process, which has helped to make it the most popular model for DS Automobiles.

DS 3 Performance Black number 400,000 is a dynamic version of DS 3 with matt black bodywork, touches of carbon fibre on the side mouldings and a gold roof, making the vehicle stand out through its distinctive good looks.

“I had to have this DS 3 as soon as I saw it. Even though I was already a DS driver, this new model is just irresistible because of its timeless character and personalisation options. I think it’s unlikely that any two DS cars will look the same,” Marine Laurent.

Customer surveys conducted by the DS brand in Europe* show that DS 3 appeals to both women (55% of customers) and men. The main reason for purchase is ‘style’. For 73% of customers DS 3 has a ‘sporty’ image, 62% say it is ‘fun to drive’ and 54% describe it as ‘elegant’. On the road, customers tend to highlight the vehicle’s main standout features as ‘comfort’, ‘high levels of equipment’ and ‘quality’.

*Surveys conducted between 2011 and 2015 in the G10 Europe countries with customers buying New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. Survey panel: 6,000 respondents.

Citroen dominate FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony at Doha, Qatar.

• Held this year in Doha, Qatar, the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony saw awards presented to the winners of its various Championships
• José María López, Yvan Muller and Sébastien Loeb monopolised the FIA WTCC driver standings, whilst Citroën won the Manufacturers’ Championship
• The Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team finished second in the Manufacturers’ World Rally Championship

A glittering occasion to mark the end of the season, the FIA Prize-Giving Ceremony was this year preceded by a challenge involving drivers and leading figures from the FIA. José María López produced an impressive performance to finish third in the karting race, behind Esteban Ocon – European F3 Champion – and Daniel Ricciardo.

On the Friday evening ‘Pechito’ attended the ceremony with his team-mates Yvan Muller and Sébastien Loeb, the top three in the FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) driver standings. Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal, also collected the Manufacturers’ title, after the team secured a mighty 17 wins from 23 races.

In rallying, the eight podium finishes claimed by Kris Meeke and Mads Østberg enabled the Citroën Total Abu Dhabi World Rally Team to take second place in the Manufacturers’ World Championship. Meanwhile, Stéphane Lefebvre, Alastair Fisher and Martin Koci made up the podium of the FIA Junior WRC and the WRC-3 championship. 

The young Frenchman will compete in the WRC-2 next year in a DS 3 R5.

Citroën Racing’s competitive record in international motorsport was completed by Petter Solberg, World Rallycross Champion in his DS 3 Supercar. After winning the WRC in 2003, the Norwegian therefore became the first ever driver to win FIA world titles in two different categories.

Yves Matton, Citroën Racing Team Principal, commented: “This evening, alongside leading figures from throughout international motor sport, we can reflect on what an intense year we have just experienced. These trophies reward the work of the drivers and everyone in the Citroën Racing team, who have competed in two World Championships, and taken part in some 25 events in every corner of the planet. In 2015, we’ll be defending our FIA WTCC titles with Pechito, Yvan and Seb, and we will continue to remain involved in the WRC. 

For their second season with the DS 3, Kris and Mads can aim higher still and we will try to help them onto the podium of the Drivers’ World Championship. We will also be thinking about the future in continuing to support the development of Stéphane Lefebvre.”

DS brand loses sales in first half, but bouyed by massive increases in China.

Vehicle sales at Citroen’s upscale DS line, which became a stand-alone brand on June 1, fell during the first half, hit by an aging product lineup and tougher competition from refreshed rivals such as Mini.

DS global sales fell 10 percent to 63,789 through June. The biggest decline was in Europe, where volume dropped 21 percent to 50,056 units. A bright spot was China where first-half DS sales were 10,482 units compared with 957 during the prior-year period.

PSA/Peugeot-Citroen launched the DS line in 2010 to help the automaker boost earnings by attracting customers willing to spend more money for high-spec models.

The brand has expanded from the initial DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio subcompacts to offer the DS 4, DS 5 and DS 5LS compacts.

The next addition will be the China-only 6WR SUV, which was unveiled at the Beijing auto show in April.

Expanding DS sales is a crucial part of PSA CEO Carlos Tavares' Back to the Race turnaround plan for the automaker. He named PSA's former director of group strategy, Yves Bonnefont, to the newly created position of CEO of DS in June. Bonnefont is tasked with elevating DS from a tiny-but-successful division of Citroen to a global powerhouse.

Tough market

Citroen said first-half DS sales in Europe were hit by a contracting market in the segment where the brand competes, especially in France.

"DS is moving forward with the launch of a new front light signature for DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio, new limited editions, new engines and its first SUV for China in September," Citroen said in a July 21 statement.

IHS Automotive analyst Ian Fletcher said Tavares’ anti-discount strategy and an aging lineup likely hurt DS sales. "The lynchpin DS 3 is five years old now and is a very familiar sight," Fletcher said. "It is facing vehicles that are benefiting from updates, such as the refreshed Mini, or are being heavily pushed by rivals, such as the new version of the Fiat 500."

The DS 3 launched the DS line but is now aging.

Analysts expect the appointment of Bonnefont as CEO of DS to bring benefits.

"The new CEO could help if he understands that the success of DS will come if the premium mentality is applied on DS," said Jamel Taganza from analyst firm Inovev. “It means, in addition to becoming a stand-alone brand, that DS must also have an independent technical center, for example."

IHS Automotive’s Fletcher agreed that making DS a stand-alone brand was a good move. "The launch of the DS nameplate under Citroen enabled PSA to dip a toe in to the premium sector, but ultimately they were still Citroen products directed by requirements of that brand," Fletcher said. "By spinning DS off and appointing its own CEO, PSA gives it a greater singularity of concept in the pursuit of a widening its customer base in the premium sector."

PSA expects China to be a major market for DS, helped by ever-increasing demand for premium Western products. PSA opened a joint venture plant with Changan Auto in Shenzhen, China, in September to build the DS 5. Inovev forecasts that the factory's annual production will rise to 200,000 units by 2017 from 50,000 in 2014 and 100,000 in 2015.

Bruce Gain