CITROËN DS3 CABRIO “L’UOMO VOGUE” IN THE SPOTLIGHT AT MILAN FASHION

For this year’s Fashion Week, CITROËN presented a single DS3 Cabrio “L’Uomo Vogue” at Studio Visconti in Milan on Monday evening. The special model was styled by the Italian magazine L’Uomo Vogue and CITROËN’s styling team. The all-new version will shortly be put up for auction, with the proceeds going to the Women Create Life project.

A coveted object of desire, the new open-top version of the CITROËN DS3 will play a headlining role at this year’s Milan Fashion Week in the shape of an all-new model.

The car on show features special colours-and-materials work inside and out, inspired by the latest trends in men’s fashion as highlighted in L’Uomo Vogue.

The special model is cloaked in an all-new body colour, Stardust matte grey, and topped with a canvas roof covered in subtle motifs that reinterpret the monogram canvas. The DS monogram has been laser engraved on the wing mirror housings to underscore the singular nature of the DS3 Cabrio L’Uomo Vogue.

Peugeot launches the 3008 in China and accelerates its growth in the world’s largest car market

Peugeot 3008 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Peugeot has officially launched the Chinese version of the 3008, built at the Wuhan plant (a DPCA joint venture in the province of Hubei), during a national launch convention that brought together more than 1200 guests from the press and the dealer network at Chengdu, on 9 January 2012 With the launch of the 3008, Peugeot expands it range by entering a strategic new market, that of SUVs in the C, which is the fastest growing segment in the Chinese car market. With this new launch, Peugeot means to continue the Marque’s strong momentum, including in sales, which at 216 000 units increased by 24.5 % in 2012, nearly four times the growth in the market (+ 7%).

3008 China: a vehicle for conquest to continue the Marque’s strong momentum in the Chinese market.
The Peugeot 3008 has been adapted for China by the PSA styling centre at Shanghai to bring it closer to the tastes expressed by Chinese customers for SUV vehicles with a strong identity.
By launching the 3008 in China, Peugeot sets off to conquer young, dynamic customers that are looking for a very versatile vehicle with a strong style, both outside and in the treatment of its cabin.
Since its first year of commercialization, Peugeot plans to sell 40,000 units of 3008, in order to respond to the continuous growing needs the SUV market and will in turn benefit the results of the dealer network, which itself is undergoing strong development (324 dealers at the end of 2012).

Discover the latest addition to Renault's lineup!

To find out more, visit our website www.media.renault.com from 10am CET on Friday, January 11!

New Partner Electric: 100 % Partner, 100 % electric

Peugeot Partner (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

With this new 100 % electric version, Peugeot takes another step in offering business users responsible mobility suitable for all kinds of use and improved driving experience.The new Partner Electric combines the features which have already made the Partner a great commercial success - modern and attractive style, modularity and practicality, with the best load volume in the segment – now with the driving experience of an electric drive train.The Partner Electric is aimed at all business users wishing to reduce their environmental footprint and the expense of their fuel bill. Presented for the first time in its definitive version at the Brussels Motor Show in January, the new Partner Electric goes on sale during the second quarter of 2013.

All of the modularity and loading capacity features which have made the Partner such a great success are present in the Partner Electric.

Available in two body lengths ; L1: 4.38 m and L2: 4.63 m, the Partner Electric offers the largest loading volume of the small electric vans.

The load volume is up to 3.3 m3 on the L1 with a load length of 1.80 m and 3.7 m3 on the L2 with a load length of 2.05 m, for a payload of up to 695 kg - the best in its category.

With its Multi-flex bench seat, the Partner Electric retains the exclusive features of modularity which have characterised the Partner since its launch:

 This equipment, unique in the small van segment, can accommodate 3 people at the front. This practical aspect is greatly appreciated by business users who can transport their employees and equipment from one work site to another with fewer journeys.

  The retractable side passenger seat provides both a flat floor and an additional 400l of load volume. This increases the loading capacity to 3.7 m3 on the L1 with a load length of 3 m and to 4.1 m3 on the L2 with a load length of 3.25 m.

 The side seat cushion also folds on the seat back to allow the transportation of high loads.
 The folding seat back of the central seat offers a mobile office function due to its table design feature.
Range

Its range of 105 miles (170 km) on the standard European cycle (NEDC) positions the Partner Electric as the benchmark in the segment.

SALES RESULTS 2012 : ONGOING MOVE UP-MARKET AND GROWTH OUTSIDE EUROPE

In 2012 Citroën confirmed its all-round success with the launch of three new models (C4 Aircross, C4 L and C-Elysée), six restyles (C1, C3 Picasso, C5, C8, Berlingo and Jumpy), new services, and its eighth World Rally Championship manufacturer’s title. The year also saw further expansion outside Europe, with a sales offensive in China, the Brand’s second-biggest market. Simultaneously, Citroën consolidated its move up-market, with both the DS line, which has sold in 300,000 units, and the C range, richer and more contemporary than ever.

Sébastien Loeb's crew (Photo credit: gordonplant)

2012 HIGHLIGHTS • An increasingly international brand o Outside Europe: 36% of the Brand’s total sales, a 3-pt increase in a year o China: 224,000 units delivered (C range) (up 2,5%) and DS line marketed through a premium brand and a dedicated network o 2 new compact saloons catering to the needs of international customers: CITROËN C-Elysée, released in Turkey and Algeria, and the C4 L, revealed in China • A move up-market well underway o A 3-pt increase in sales of premium vehicles (DS line, C5, C6, C4 Aircross, C-Crosser), which now account for 18% of the Brand’s total sales o DS line sales have already topped the 300,000 mark since launch o The DS line accounts over 10% of CITROËN’s worldwide sales and 18% of orders in Europe o CITROËN DS PRIVILÈGE: a premium club for DS customers. Launched in France, Italy and the UK in 2012, the club already has 14,000 members • “Créative Technologie” benefiting customers and the environment o CITROËN MULTICITY: rolled out in Germany and two new services in France: carpooling and peer-to-peer car hire. A first for a car brand in Europe – and a success, with 2,800,000 visits and 24,000 transactions to date o Hybrid4: 25% of CITROËN DS5 models delivered are equipped with Diesel hybrid technology (just 91 g CO2/km and 3.5 l/100 km) o Electric: after the Electric Odyssey, the first round-the-world trip in a volume-produced electric car, sales of the CITROËN C-ZERO doubled on 2011, with more than 6,000 orders since launch o CO2 : with an average of 123.7 g/km* (2.5 g less than in 2011), CITROËN has already achieved the 2015 targets for Europe, proving the efficiency of the solutions developed by the Brand to protect the environment (optimised fuel engines, full-electric technology, e-HDi micro-hybrid and Hybrid4)  * Europe 27 – First ten months of 2012 • WRC: CITROËN enters motor sport legend o 8th world champion manufacturer’s title for CITROËN o 9th world champion driver’s title for Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena

Peugeot 2012 outline

Peugeot: 1,700,000 sales worldwide in 2012. Increase in the sales of assembled vehicles overseas and continuation of the Brand’s move up-market.

• 1,700 ,000 vehicles sold in 2012
• Peugeot 4th marque (Cars + LCVs) in Europe
• 208 : 221,000 worldwide sales, leader in the French market in December
• Sales outside Europe : 44 % of total sales 
• China: sales growth of 24 % (market: + 7%)
• Successful launch of the 301
• Move up-market: success of the diesel hybrid HYbrid4 range (19,000 orders)

In a generally depressed European market and overseas markets with contrasting fortunes, Automobiles Peugeot recorded in 2012, 1,700,000 sales worldwide of assembled and CKD vehicles.

However, three quarters of the drop (-19.6 % compared to 2011) is accounted for by the interruption during the first half of the year of deliveries of CKD kits to Iran Kodhro (amounting to 313 ,000 units), a consequence of the strengthening of international sanctions against Iran.

On the other hand, the sales of assembled vehicles, at 1,555,000 units, fell back only 6.1 % compared to 2011.

Launches crowned with success: 208, HYbrid4 range and 301

Automobiles Peugeot maintained a rapid pace of product launches in 2012, with five major launches and several models launched in overseas markets.
 

Produced in France and in Slovakia, the 208 was launched in all European markets in spring 2012; it continued its international deployment in international markets during the second half, to be completed in early 2013 with sales in Russia and its industrial and commercial launch in Brazil.

Rallye Monte-Carlo 2012

Disputed in the hills above Monaco, the penultimate day of the Rallye Monte Carlo saw no change at the top of the overall standings. In front since the end of day one, Sébastien Loeb and Daniel Elena will start the final day of the rally – featuring just one 5.16km-long stage – with a comfortable lead. Citroën Total World Rally Team looks set to record an excellent overall result with Mikko Hirvonen and Jarmo Lehtinen on course to take 4th place.

Day four of the Rallye Monte-Carlo began in glorious sunshine in the port of Monaco. Monaco-born Daniel Elena took a few moments to talk about the origins of his love of rallying: “The Rallye Monte-Carlo was a part of my childhood. When I was a kid, I listened to Bernard Spendler on RMC throughout the night. At 14, I drove up the Col de Turini on a moped. And then in 1997, I took part in my first Monte-Carlo rally. 

It was my first World Championship rally and back then, I was driving. I don’t think about it all that very often, as I tend to become totally absorbed by the race, but there's no doubt that that rally meant something very special to me.” After being placed directly in parc fermé last night, the cars then had a long service period before heading for the start of the day’s stages. The Moulinet – La Bollène Vésubie and Lantosque – Lucéram stages formed a loop that the competitors would complete twice. As the roads were totally dry, the Citroën DS3 WRCs set off with Michelin Pilot Sport hard slicks fitted.

Banque PSA Finance signs a new EUR 2,000,000,000 revolving credit facility

On 13th December, Banque PSA Finance signed a € 2,0 billion 3-year syndicated revolving credit facility (with the possibility of two 1-year extensions, at the banks' option). The new Facility refinances an existing € 2,0 billion facility which was due to mature in June 2012.

Syndication of this Facility was oversubscribed by 25 banks from ten countries, including six new banks.

The Facility had been arranged by nine Bookrunners (Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A., Barclays Corporate, BNP Paribas, Credit Agricole Corporate and Investment Bank, HSBC France, Lloyds TSB Bank, Natixis, The Royal Bank of Scotland plc and Société Générale Corporate & Investment Banking) and four Mandated Lead Arrangers (Banc of America Securities Limited, Banco Santander S.A., Citigroup Global Markets Limited and Commerzbank AG).

This revolving facility has an opening margin of 160 basis points and a 40% non-utilization fee.

With this new facility Banque PSA Finance has anticipated, at attractive conditions, the need to refinance in 2012 a significant credit line which is a key element of its financial security. The success of this transaction confirms the strong support provided to Banque PSA Finance by its relationship banks.  

CITROËN WINS AWARDS FOR THE DS LINE AND THE DS5 HYBRID4 FROM “L’AUTOMOBILE MAGAZINE” AND “L’ARGUS”

Image via Wikipedia

THE DS LINE WINS THE STRATEGY TROPHY

For the 33^rd edition of its Trophy awards, French monthly “L’Automobile Magazine” awarded CITROËN its Strategy Trophy for the DS line. Launched in 2010 with the DS3, the DS line was expanded in 2011 with the DS4 and then the DS5, launched on 26 November. These three models reflect more radical choices in styling, architecture, driving sensations and sophistication. Complementing the main CITROËN range, the DS line symbolises the Marque’s creativity and technology.

THE CITROËN DS5 Hybrid4 WINS A TROPHY FROM “L’ARGUS”

For the latest edition of its Trophies ceremony, “L’Argus” created a new “Green” category. This year’s winner is the CITROËN DS5 Hybrid4, carrying on from the DS3, which won the “Trends” prize last year. Philippe Narbeberu, Director, Market Area France for CITROËN, received the prize.

The latest vehicle in the DS line, the CITROËN DS5 is a perfect fit with the Marque’s signature of “Créative Technologie”. With the DS5, customers experience the thrill of driving an exceptional car every day, a car that embodies the full range of brand expertise. 

The Hybrid4 version of the DS5 combines driving pleasure with performance and respect for the environment. With its HDi 160 engine and electric motor, it delivers total power of 200 bhp or 147 kW. The DS5 is also available in a four-wheel drive version with consumption of just 3.8l/100 km and CO₂ emissions of 99g/km.

Renault Samsung Motors to roll out All-New SM7 in August

Image by bmadalin via Flickr

Renault Samsung Motors unveiled All-New SM7 at a media road test in South Korea and the model will be available in showrooms from mid-August.

To underpin the in-depth changes it introduces, the second-generation SM7 will be known as All-New SM7 and was developed over a period of 32 months, with R&D investments amounting some 400 billion South Korean won (€270 million). Renault Samsung Motors’ flagship model delivers the same impeccable quality and value for money of former SM7 models and exceeds the demand of its E-segment customers thanks to the advanced Renault-Nissan Alliance technologies it packs.

All-New SM7 features the elegant and sophisticated styling expected of a prestige saloon, with a special focus on roomy cabin space and premium well-being features, plus an exceptionally silent ride and outstanding travelling comfort.

It boasts the roomiest interior in its segment with kneeroom for rear passengers up by more than 70mm over the previous SM7, plus plenty of headroom and shoulder room. Several premium well-being features have been introduced, too, including Aviation Headrests – another segment first – plus an optimized Air-Ventilation System which distinguishes it from other big Korean-made saloons. The ultimate motoring experience is ensured by the car's quiet ride and exceptional, segment-leading ride comfort. Meanwhile, features like the 'Sport Mode' function and Paddle Shift gearshifts are available for the first time in the segment to deliver even greater driving enjoyment. This overall package has been designed to position All-New SM7 as a truly high-end prestige saloon.

All-New SM7 is powered by the Nissan VQ engine which has been listed by the leading automotive industry research group Ward’s as one of the world's top 10 engines for 14 consecutive years. The performance and durability of the third-generation VQ engine has been achieved thanks to extensive work in areas such as friction and optimised engine management, as well as improved intake and exhaust systems, a more efficient catalytic converter and the use of iridium spark plugs, etc. The VQ powerplant drives through a new, six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift function which includes a high-capacity torque converter for seamless gear changes and superior driving performance. All-New SM7 can be specified with one of two engines: the 3.5 VQ (six-speed automatic transmission with manual gearshift mode) or the 2.5 VQ (six-speed automatic transmission with manual selector mode). Both will be available with three equipment levels to cover the different needs and tastes of the model's customers.

The maximum power delivered by the VQ25 engine is 190hp, an increase of 15 percent over the previous SM7, while peak torque stands at 243Nm at 4,400rpm. This version of the engine has sought to optimise performance in the most practical and commonly-used rev ranges, while customers also benefit from energy control technology features like ESM (Energy Smart Management) for fuel consumption of just nine litres/100km.

In the case of the VQ35 engine, maximum power of 258hp (up more than 20% over the previous SM7) makes it the segment's most powerful powerplant. Peak torque of 330Nm is produced at 4,400rpm, allowing drivers to benefit from outstanding performance compared with rival models across the most practical and frequently-employed engine speed ranges. Fuel consumption is a low 10.4 litres/100km.

Prices for All-New SM7 range from 30 to 39 million Korean won (€19,724 to 25,641), while that of the previous SM7 ranged from 28.8 to 37.7 million Korean won (€18,935 to €24,786).

Thanks to its competitive price tag, which belies its enhanced performance characteristics, All-New SM7 is expected to have a radical effect on the big saloon car market.

Said Renault Samsung Motors CEO Jean-Marie Hurtiger: “All-New SM7 is Renault Samsung Motors’ new flagship and delivers everything customers expect of a big premium saloon, including refined, luxurious styling, exceptional quality, and outstanding comfort and driving pleasure thanks to the contribution of the Renault-Nissan Alliance's world class technological expertise. All-New SM7 will set new standards in Korea's big family saloon car market.”

At the time of the original SM7's launch in December 2004, the model established a new benchmark in Korea's big saloon car market thanks to its sophisticated styling, excellent handling, quiet ride and dynamic driving performance. In the customer surveys carried out by automobile market research specialists Marketing Insight, it topped the 'Marketability' classification for three consecutive years and the 'Quality Stress' classification among cars in all segments for two consecutive years.

PSA Peugeot Citroën inaugurates the new three-cylinder petrol engine assembly line at its Trémery plant

Image by céline diais via Flickr

Philippe Varin, Chairman of the PSA Peugeot Citroën Managing Board, and Christian Galliard de Lavernée, Prefect of France's Lorraine region, today inaugurated the production unit for a new family of three-cylinder petrol engines at its Trémery plant in Moselle, eastern France. PSA Peugeot Citroën has decided to conduct an in-depth overhaul of its small engine line-up, in a project that is just as important as its HDi diesel engine initiative. This new family of three-cylinder engines will be more efficient and cleaner (thanks to their smaller size), while maintaining performance in terms of power and torque.

More compact and delivering 68 to 82 horsepower, the new three-cylinder engines will reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions by 25% compared with today's four-cylinder engines. Drivers will see their energy consumption reduced by approximately 1.5 litres per 100 kilometres while maintaining optimal driving enjoyment. The new engines will be fitted on the future Peugeot 208, to be launched in first-quarter 2012, with CO2 emissions of just 104 grams per kilometre for its 1.2-litre VTI 82hp version and 99 grams per kilometre for its 1.0-litre VTi 68hp version.

The Group has invested €717 million in the project, launched in early 2008, of which €460 million for research and development. In all, 52 patents have been filed and 1,200 engineers and technicians have been involved. A total of €257 million was allocated for capital spending projects in eastern France, mainly at the Trémery plant.

In the start-up phase since September 2011, the new EB engine will be produced at Trémery. The project has a potential annual production capacity of 640,000 engines and will create 500 jobs. Brought on stream in 1979, Trémery is the world's leading diesel engine production facility with a total output of 35 million units. The plant currently has 3,720 employees.

In a second phase, the new engines designed in France will be produced in Latin America and China to meet local needs and will represent a key asset for the Group's international expansion.

The new three-cylinder petrol engine, which integrates the most advanced environmental technology, will enable PSA Peugeot Citroën to strengthen its leadership in low-carbon-emission vehicles.

‘Full-leather’ treatment for the limited edition Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride

Image by bmadalin via Flickr

Following the success of last year’s model, Renault has introduced a new, numbered, limited edition version of Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet, namely Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride.

• Major features include state-of-the-art performance and equipment, combined with a design concept which recalls the aura of the legendary Floride of the 1960s.
  
• The new model will be available to order in France from December 1, 2011, priced at €33,100.

Rewind to the 1960s: the Floride epitomises the appeal and freedom of the day’s new pleasure-seeking lifestyle. Fast-forward back to 2011, and the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet brought the same Floride spirit to the Cannes Film Festival. Now, for 2012, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride has become even more chic thanks to a new, two-tone red and ivory leather upholstery. It will make its first public appearance at the Brussels Motor Show on January 10, 2012.

In styling terms, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride features a striking ivory colour scheme matched to a two-tone red and ivory full-leather interior.

Added allure is provided by the high-gloss, piano black panoramic roof which contrasts elegantly with the car’s classic Floride Ivory livery, a pastel shade which draws direct inspiration from the catalogues of the swinging sixties. The standard-equipment 17-inch Sari aluminium alloy diamond-effect wheels are also finished in ivory, echoing the whitewall tyres that were so fashionable back in the fifties, while retro-style Floride badging adorns the front wings. The model name, cast in a chromed 3D font typical of the era, is also visible on the lower bodyside just ahead of the rear wheel arches.

The elegance of the interior pays tribute to the original Floride. Fully upholstered in red and ivory leather, it is eye-catching and distinctive. The seat facings are trimmed in red leather, with the side bolsters picked out in ivory. The steering wheel, too, is wrapped in two-tone red/ivory leather of the finest quality. The dashboard, which is finished in red with an ivory trim strip, carries the Floride name in chrome letters, while the spherical metal gear lever knob is inscribed with the letter ‘f’. The edged carpet mats also feature a red-embroidered ‘f’ monogram.

Last but not least of the details is the numbered plaque located on the centre console. Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride is powered by a dCi 130 DPF engine which drives through a six-speed manual gearbox for smooth, refined performance. The result is a high-tech package which delivers not only outstanding driving enjoyment but also impeccable comfort.

Standard equipment for Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride includes the following features:

• Comfort: Renault hands-free key card; dual-zone automatic climate control; wind deflector mesh screen; glass wind deflector; electrically-folding door mirrors; ‘easy entry’ access to the rear seats with position memory function for the front seats.
  
• Driver aids: front and rear parking sensors; electronic parking brake; automatic headlight and windscreen wiper activation; cruise control with speed limiter.
  
• Safety: six airbags (front, lateral and anti-submarining airbags); ABS with emergency brake assist; anti-whiplash head rests; ESC; tyre pressure monitoring system; spare wheel.
  
• Multimedia: Carminat TomTom® Live satellite navigation; ‘3D Sound By Arkamys’ audio with steering wheel-mounted fingertip remote control, MP3 playback, and Bluetooth and Plug&Music digital connectivity.

Exclusively in ivory in France, the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride will be available in either ivory or red in other markets…

Ivory or red? Two versions of Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride will be available – at a very attractive price – across most of Europe, as well as in other markets. Manufactured in Douai, France, the model will be powered by the top-of-the-range engine for the Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet for each of the markets where it is sold.

This exclusive limited edition version is restricted to just 1,600 numbered examples, of which 250 are destined for France.

The latest limited edition version of Renault Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet continues to evoke the spirit of the original Floride. As an elegant dream car, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride exudes motoring enjoyment, bringing a dash of colour and fantasy to a sometimes drab world. Its outstanding comfort, high-end appointments and sophisticated, desirable colour combinations are redolent of France’s famous art de vivre. French-style glamour: forever immortalised in the world of cinema, the elegant lines of Floride have never lost their charm. In the same way that the original model was promoted by movie start back in 1960, Mégane Coupé-Cabriolet Floride was presented at the 2011 Cannes Festival.