FIRST HALF SALES - PSA Group tops the one million mark with all brands showing increases right across the world.

• Product offensive launched in Europe with the all-new Peugeot Expert, Citroën Dispatch (UK), Peugeot 3008 and Citroën C3
• Positions strengthened in Latin America, with growth of 16.4%
• Return to Iran, with agreements signed for Peugeot and DS

First-half consolidated sales in Europe rose 7.4% year-on-year to 1,056,000 units.

Peugeot sales climbed 7.9% to 601,000 units, led mainly by the Peugeot 2008 (up 16%, 99,900 units) and Partner (up 8%, 62,800 units), which were both ranked no.2 in their respective segments in Europe. 

The 208 and 308 models continued to advance, up 15% (157,800 units) and 10% (119,200 units), respectively. Sales of the brand were particularly impressive in Italy (up 17.4%), Spain (up 12.5%) and the Netherlands (up 8.8%). 

This excellent performance will be buoyed in the second half of the year by various new product innovations, including the new Peugeot 2008 SUV and 3008 SUV, the all-new Peugeot Traveller and all-new Expert.

Citroën delivered its best sales performance for five years, advancing 7.2% to 414,000 units. Its strong showing was powered chiefly by the C4 Picasso, the leading MPV in Europe, but also by the C4 Cactus and the C1, which each reported sales growth for the period. 

In the market for light commercial vehicles, the Berlingo also consolidated its success as leader of its segment. These solid performances enabled the brand to gain ground in its biggest markets (United Kingdom, Spain and Germany). The momentum should accelerate in the second half, driven by the new C4 Picasso, the all-new Dispatch, the SpaceTourer and the new C3, which will replace the brand's current best seller in the autumn.

Sales for the DS brand rose 0.7% to 40,900 units, with the new DS 3 and the new DS 3 Cabrio launched in March completing the brand's entirely revisited line-up. 

The DS 4 and DS 4 Crossback were highly successful, with the Crossback representing 28% of total sales from these two compact premium models due to its strong customer appeal. The brand continues to expand its dealer network, which included 21 DS Stores and 86 DS Salons in Europe at the end of June.

In the fast-changing China & Southeast Asia market, PSA Group sales were down 19.4% to 297,000 units.

Following the arrival of the DS 4S sedan at the end of April, the Group is preparing a marketing offensive in the second half of 2016 which will see it launch five SUVs in the next two years.

As part of its Blue Upper plan, the Peugeot brand is planning to launch 18 new models in China by 2020 and, before the end of 2016, revisit the 308 Sedan and the 3008, two of its three best sellers in the world's biggest market.

The Citroën C3-XR SUV consolidated its success, with sales surging 35%. The new Citroën C6 and C4 L models will be launched in the second half of the year.

To partner growth in the SUV market segment, the PSA Group will inaugurate a new plant in Chengdu in September 2016. The Group's Shenzhen facility already manufactures the DS 6 SUV, the DS brand's best-selling model in China.

The Middle East & Africa region had to contend with an unfavourable economic climate in the first half of 2016, with imports suspended and then subject to quotas in Algeria and restrictions placed on currency access in certain countries (Egypt and Tunisia). This situation weighed heavily on the Group's sales in the region, which fell 13.3%.

The Group prepared for its return to Iran, signing a joint venture agreement in June with Iran Khodro, a long-standing Peugeot partner. The DS brand was also launched in the country at the beginning of the year, in cooperation with a private investor.

In Latin America, the PSA Group strengthened its positions,with sales up 16.4% to 88,800 units in a market down by 8.2%. The Group reported its biggest-ever market share in Chile, at over 7%.

Peugeot saw sales surge 26%, powered by excellent performances in Argentina (up 45%), Chile (up 38%) and Brazil (up 2%) in a sharply declining market (down 25%). The brand capitalised on its latest product launches: the 2008 and the new 208.

Citroën maintained its positions during the first half of the year with impressive advances in Argentina (up 29%) and Chile (up 55%). After a successful launch in Brazil, the new Citroën C3 Aircross is now sold in Argentina and helped drive the brand's good performance.

In Eurasia, despite a sharply deteriorated economic environment and a declining market, particularly in Russia (down 14.7%), the PSA Group saw its sales stabilise (down 0.1%) and continued to focus on its margins.

The Group's performance in India-Pacific was led by the Japanese market, which accounted for 49% of the Group's sales in the region. The launch of the Citroën C4 Cactus and diesel models in Japan will be instrumental in helping to boost the Group's positions in the region.

Maxime Picat, Chief Executive Officer, Peugeot brand said: "This year, Peugeot has rolled out a global offensive in the SUV market with five new vehicles. The new-look Peugeot 2008 SUV and 3008 SUV come at a time when the brand's performance in these segments has already positioned it among Europe's leaders. In China, its offer is rounded out by major updates to the current 3008 which will be supported by two new and exciting SUVs in the coming months. This offensive will allow us to step up growth in our global sales, which edged up 0.5% over the first half of the year."

Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Citroën brand said: "Citroën stayed on track by consolidating its global sales volumes at over 600,000 units in the first half of the year. While maintaining prices at a very satisfactory level, we reported our best sales performance in Europe for five years, gained ground in Latin America and exceeded our objectives for the C3-XR SUV in China. This performance is anchored in our product offensive which will be stepped up in the second half, notably with the new C4 Picasso, which is the leading MPV in Europe, as well as the new C3, set to replace our current best seller."

Yves Bonnefont, Chief Executive Officer, DS brand said: "With the launch of the new DS 3 in the spring, our DS range has been completely revisited in less than 12 months in line with the brand's launch strategy. The brand unveiled the DS E‑Tense early in the year. This distinctive car featuring a high-performance electric powertrain embodies the future of the brand and gives a glimpse of what our future models will look like. A dealer network specifically for the DS brand is also being developed, with 234 sites across the globe. To find out all there is to know about this dedicated network offering customers a unique, bespoke experience, make sure you visit the Paris Auto Show."

DS Automobiles has announced that is officially launching within Iran now the sanctions are lifting.

DS brand is officially launched in Iran today. Together with country’s personalities, journalists and potential clients, Yves Bonnefont, DS Brand CEO and Daryoush Biria, president of ARIAN Group, inaugurated the DS STORE Tehran and announced the commercial launch of two models: DS 5 and DS 6.

Three and a half months after the announcement of its arrival in the Iranian market and its partnership with ARIAN Group, DS brand is officially launched today in Iran. The ceremony was attended by Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS brand, Daryoush Biria, president of ARIAN Group and His Excellency Bruno Foucher, French Ambassador in Tehran.

"DS Brand is undergoing a major step in its international development! Iran is a key country for us and contributes to our ambition of radiating the French luxury know-how in automobile.” said Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS brand," the experience of our partner Arian Group is a major asset for success. "

For Daryoush Biria, president of ARIAN Group, "The DS brand is synonymous with design, technology, refinement and French elegance. We are delighted to be the exclusive distributor of DS brand in Iran and I do not doubt that Iranian customers will be thrilled by these great cars. ". 

Nearly 200 people, journalists, local personalities and potential customers attended this important moment for both partners. A meeting held in Tehran DS STORE. Inaugurated at the same time, the DS STORE is located in the northern districts of the city on one of the most attractive avenues, the Andarzgou Boulevard. The DS Store is the first in the Middle East!

In a space of 275 m2, customers can now immerse themselves in the DS universe. Modern facade, sleek design, featuring the DS frame finish, lacquered furniture, plasma screens, photos depicting Paris, fashion, luxury or design, the atmosphere is cosy and high-end. The cars on display, up to six models, are turned towards the entrance to catch the eye of the visitor upon arrival. 

The commercial launch of the first DS cars started as launched. DS 5, the flagship of the brand, and DS 6, brand’s SUV with powerful and elegant style, are the starting bid. 

Two models are proposed in ‘Sport Chic’ version, the most upscale with equipment of powerful and efficient engines and 6-speed automatic gearboxes. The refinement and attention to detail are featured; all models have a Nappa leather or semi-aniline finish bracelet seats, the DS exclusive offer and full leather dashboards. 

The range will be enriched during 2016 with the arrival of DS 5LS, the statutory sedan and other models. 

Key figures : Iran has approximately 80 million populations of which 70% live in urban areas and 15 million in the metropolitan area of the capital, Tehran.   Iran is the second population of the Middle East North African region.   2/3 of the Iranian population is aged under 30. Iran is rich in fossil resources, with 11% of the world’s oil reserves and 15% of its gas reserves. The ARIAN Group, specializing in automobile distribution since 2011, stands out particularly in terms of service quality. Based in Tehran, the ARIAN Group imports, distributes and provides after-sales in Iran according to the standards of the brand.

DS Automobiles launches the new DS3 hatch and cabrio, now with a revised front end and better interior.

New DS 3 & DS 3 Cabrio are the latest models to be unveiled by DS Automobiles. The hatchback & Cabrio versions have new design features, latest-generation technology, ultimate attention to detail & a uniquely refined, yet dynamic character that are hallmarks of the DS brand.

Since the launch of DS 3 in 2010, 390,000 customers have succumbed to the charms of this hip and stylish Parisian supermini. From London to Tokyo and Sydney to Buenos Aires, DS 3 has become a true automotive icon that is renowned for its distinctive personality, unique styling, driving pleasure and leading-edge technology. Both DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio have always offered drivers the best possible blend of comfort and dynamism.

New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio – unveiled today – are even more attractive, with new design features (revised front end and personalisation possibilities) and enhanced functionality (connectivity, driving assistance systems). For top-level performance, both in the city and out on the open road, the DS brand’s versatile new models can be specified with the latest PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine and offer the latest-generation EAT6 automatic gearbox with the PureTech 110 petrol engine. New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio will also be available in Performance specification, boasting an impressive 208hp (153kW).

The reveal of New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio will be of significant interest to UK new car buyers. Britain is already the leading market for DS 3 sales. More DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio models were sold in the UK last year than in France or any other global market. 

 

“An icon”. “A unique object”. “The DS 3 has revolutionised automotive cues”. “A car that has marked its time”.     This is how drivers talk about their DS 3s. They are proud to own a car that reflects their individual image, a car that stirs desire and puts the magic back in to everyday life. That feeling is wholly shared by the DS design team. Renewing a car of this stature was both a pleasure and a challenge. 

The goal was to build on what has already made DS 3 a success – personalisation, styling and vitality – and to enhance it with contemporary technology and equipment, including efficient engines and a connected touchscreen. Also key to the project was the unwavering passion and attention to detail shown by the stylists, technicians and engineers.   

“The New DS 3, a true success story, is reaffirming its brand kinship. With it, the DS family is complete. Refined, high-tech and high-performance, the stylish Parisian car appeals to customers looking for expressiveness, personalisation and motoring thrills. This sparkling model expresses an ‘art de vivre’ in town and country alike.”

Yves Bonnefont, CEO of DS Automobiles

Avant-garde design: from the new front end to the personalisation options

DS 3 has always embodied avant-garde design and was the first DS to feature the highly expressive “DS LED Vision” light signature. Now it also boasts the DS Automobiles front end with “DS Wings” that are sculpted around a vertically-oriented grille that proudly wears the DS emblem. Surrounded in chrome to underscore its elegance, the grille extends towards the LED headlamps and fog lamps via two chromed-finished wings.  The new front end perfectly complements the styling of the car, with the double wings making their debut on a DS model. After all, it is entirely natural for the first-ever modern day DS, and a DS brand icon, to lead the way. The DS design team has retained much of the car’s original look, including the floating roof, two-tone body/roof colours and the shark fins on the sides, which are so emblematic of the DS 3’s personality. 

“The DS 3’s compact and dynamic body style, enhanced by chrome-finished signatures, makes it a unique, expressive and appealing car. These personality traits are underlined by its rear styling, notably featuring hypnotic 3D LED lights.”

Thierry Metroz, Design Director, DS Automobiles

New DS 3 is more unique than ever in terms of personalisation possibilities, including options for the roof, body, rear view mirror housings, dashboard and gear knob. Customers can now choose from 78 body/roof colour combinations and four fabric roofs for the DS 3 Cabrio.

A resolutely technological object

Unrivalled lighting quality with DS LED Vision headlights 

As with New DS 4 and New DS 5, the new headlights – that were originally introduced on DS 3 in the summer of 2014 – combine LED technology (three jewel-like modules in each unit) and Xenon technology, with sequential LED indicators and new LED fog lamps.

The combination of LED and Xenon technologies generates a powerful, broad and harmonious light flow for improved visibility and driver comfort at night. It also reduces the energy consumption on the dipped beam setting by 50% (67% with the main beams switched on).  

Mirror Screen compatible with iOS and Android

New DS 3 models are equipped with Mirror Screen functionality, comprising Apple CarPlay™ or MirrorLink^®(for Android phones), bringing drivers a smarter, safer and more enjoyable way of experiencing all the personalised features of their smartphones.

The New DS 3 driving experience is more high-tech than ever with the new 7-inch colour touchscreen.  The latest-generation screen provides simpler access to all of the main vehicle functions (with 20 fewer buttons on the central fascia). It also houses Mirror Screen, a connectivity solution compatible with Apple CarPlay™ and MirrorLink^®. Drivers can use Apple CarPlay™ to intuitively make calls, consult maps, listen to music and check their messages, either by using the Siri voice recognition technology or via the touchscreen.

New DS 3 drivers can also extend the motoring experience on their smartphones with “MyDS”, a free app informing them of their servicing schedule, fuel economy and parking location. MyDS is available for Android and iOS.

Drivers with Android smartphones that are compatible with MirrorLink^® can also use MyDS to listen to and send text messages hands-free from behind the wheel of their New DS 3. Proving that DS cars are resolutely technological objects, all DS models are now fully connected. As with the rest of the range, from early 2016 DS 3 will be available with the DS Connect Box including: 

• SOS & Assistance pack: a standard-setting system that makes automatic emergency and assistance calls, where necessary to call out the emergency services,
• Monitoring pack: a virtual maintenance manual (automatically monitoring mileage and upcoming services), with eco-driving advice based on the technical information generated by the car,
• Mapping pack: vehicle localisation with customisable alerts via email, for example when the car enters or leaves a geographical area,
• Tracking pack: in the event of theft, the geographical position of the car is transmitted to the police.  

Active City Brake 

The Active City Brake system helps to prevent minor collisions at low speeds. A short-range sensor, located at the top of the windscreen, detects obstacles such as a stationary vehicle. At speeds of up to 30km/h (18mph) it identifies potential risks and communicates directly with the braking control unit without the driver having to touch the brake pedal. 

The purpose is to avoid collisions or to limit the consequences of an accident by reducing the speed of impact. Automatic braking may bring the vehicle to a complete halt where the situation requires it. In this case, the car is held in a stationary position for around 1.5 seconds so that the driver can regain control.

Before activating the automatic braking – if the system identifies an at-risk situation – the car primes the hydraulic braking system for improved reactivity in the event it is required.

New equipment for day-to-day comfort

New DS 3 is now equipped with front and rear parking sensors, a reversing camera with visual indicator guide lines on the 7-inch screen and Hill Start Assist (manual gearbox only). Day-to-day usability and comfort is also provided by a spacious boot with the largest load volume in each segment (285 litres for the hatchback and 245 litres for the Cabrio). 

Comfort is a key word when driving DS 3 Cabrio. The roof can be opened and closed at motorway speeds and the car provides outstanding acoustic comfort.

New DS 3 also scores highly for rear passenger comfort. Both New DS 3 and New DS 3 Cabrio can accommodate the driver and a passenger in the front of the car and three adult passengers in the back.

Refinement and attention to detail 

With more than 20 limited editions since launch, 78 body/roof colour combinations and over three million personalisation options, New DS 3 has a powerful character and plenty of personality. Personalisation choice is now greater than ever, with ten roof decals available for the hatchback and four fabric roofs on the Cabrio, together with a host of further details.

As a stylish Parisian supermini forever at the cutting edge of fashion, New DS 3 is available with new trims and new interior design schemes (for example, Basalt Black Dinamica cloth, Topaz dashboard). New DS 3 also comes with a new body colour (Sport Red) and a new roof colour (Topaz, which is inspired by gemstones), as well as new alloy wheels.

Fashion is also the inspiration inside New DS 3. Leather – a material that never goes out of style – features on the signature watchstrap-style seats. This DS hallmark design uses premium Nappa leather. Nappa leather is also used for the leather-upholstered dashboard on Ultra Prestige models.

As an ultimate example of attention to detail, New DS 3 combines technology and refinement with laser engraving on the dashboard trim and on the door mirrors.

Beautiful and bold, New DS 3 shakes up automotive design cues and breathes new life into French-style luxury. For the hatchback and the Cabrio, the keywords remain appeal and vitality.

Dynamic and high-performance 

New DS 3 may well have appeal as an urban car, but it is equally at ease out on the open road due to its compact dimensions, agility and, above all, to its high-performance engines. New DS 3 will be available in the UK with seven engines, including three PureTech three-cylinder petrol engines (the DS brand’s PureTech engines won an International Engine of the Year award in 2015). 

There are also two THP four-cylinder petrol units and two BlueHDi diesels. There are two types of gearbox – manual and a latest-generation automatic. The result is CO₂ emissions as low as 87g/km (for the BlueHDi 100) and no more than 129g/km for the range as a whole, making New DS 3 ideal for all uses.

Three specific points are particularly noteworthy: the EAT6 latest-generation automatic gearbox; the new PureTech 130 three-cylinder turbo petrol engine mated to a 6-speed manual transmission; and a new dynamic model called “DS 3 Performance”, with a powerful new engine.

PureTech 110 S&S EAT6 auto: the perfect combination 

The latest-generation EAT6 fully automatic gearbox is mated to the PureTech110 S&S three-cylinder petrol engine, which is fitted with a turbo for generous torque at low engine speeds. This ideal gearbox-engine alliance makes for a supple and dynamic drive. 

Drivers get faster and more seamless gear changes, and enhanced driving pleasure, responsiveness and acceleration. The figures speak for themselves, with combined-cycle fuel consumption of 61.4mpg and CO₂ emissions of 105g/km for the hatchback and the Cabrio – not forgetting 205Nm of torque. 

PureTech 130 S&S 6-speed manual: verve and vitality

Available for the first time in DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio, the PureTech 130 S&S delivers generous torque at low engine speeds and maintains it over a broad operating range. The engine gives New DS 3 even more verve and vitality while ensuring the lowest CO₂ emissions in its class at just 105g/km, and combined-cycle fuel consumption of 62.8mpg.

With maximum power of 96kW (130hp) at 5,500 rpm and maximum torque of 230Nm from 1,750 rpm, the PureTech 130 S&S engine is a perfect match for New DS 3.

New DS 3 Performance: matching performance with refinement 

The New DS 3 range will include powerful and dynamic DS 3 Performance versions. These distinctive cars combine trademark DS comfort, refinement and style – with athleticism and excitement.

“The Performance models are the dynamic and distinctive versions of the New DS 3 and DS 3 Cabrio. They feature all the qualities of these latest models and take them to new, previously unattained levels. Powerful and refined, they bring drivers incomparable at-the-wheel thrills and all new styling, while retaining all the DNA of DS cars.”

Eric Apode, Products and Development Director, DS Automobiles

The pedigree of DS 3 Performance can be neatly summed up in a few key figures: 208hp, 300Nm of torque and CO₂ emissions of 125g/km. These qualities are a result of the tremendous work done by the 

DS Performance team, who chose to equip the cars with a top of the range 1.6 THP S&S engine mated to a 6-speed manual gearbox with shorter gear ratios. The New DS 3 Performance versions also come, as standard, with a Torsen^® limited slip differential for outstanding traction, road-holding and handling.

For even more agility, the suspension has been lowered by 15mm and the front and rear tracks have been widened (by 26mm and 14mm respectively). The New DS 3 Performance models are also fitted with larger 323mm brake discs at the front (with special Brembo calipers), and 249mm discs at the rear.

Naturally, style was also high on the list of priorities. Some components were redesigned to showcase and underline the vehicle’s dynamic qualities at first glance: a special twin tailpipe, carbon side mouldings, a new sill plate design and Matt Black wheel arch extensions. Not forgetting the vehicle interior, inside there are leather and Alcantara upholstered bucket seats, with special DS Performance embroidery.

Offering a number of personalisation possibilities, customers will be able to choose from four body colours (Polar White, Shark Grey, Perla Nera Black or Sport Red), two roof colours for the hatchback (white or black) and special DS Performance graphics.

NEW DS 3 IN FIGURES

• 2 body styles: Hatchback and Cabrio
• 390,000 sales worldwide since launch
• A Performance version (208hp,300Nm, Torsen^® limited slip differential)
• Hatchback launched in March 2010, Cabrio in early 2013
• 78 body/roof combinations
• 21 limited edition models worldwide since launch (e.g. DS 3 Dark Light, DS 3 1955)
• DS 3 Cabrio roof can be opened at speeds of up to 70mph and seats 5 adults
• Best-in-class CO₂ emissions

Dimensions: 3.95m long; 1.71m wide; 1.46m high

Turning circle of 10.2m or 10.4m