DS BOOSTED BY STRONG SECOND-HALF GROWTH IN 2019 FOLLOWING ARRIVAL OF POPULAR DS 3 CROSSBACK

DS Automobiles is where Savoir-faire (know-how) meets advanced technology – from new brand DS.

Conceived in 2014, initiated in 2015 and separated to form a dedicated (DS-only) franchise in July 2018.

In the second-half of 2019;

• UK DS sales were up 110% between July-Dec 2019 compared with 2018 over the same period, while down 15% overall in 2019
• Arrival of DS 3 CROSSBACK in May saw sales account for more than half of all DS sales in 2019
• DS 7 CROSSBACK (exclusively available through DS-only franchise outlets) has seen strong and progressive sales growth in 2019, up 73%

Alain Descat, Managing Director of DS Automobiles in the UK, commented: “While looking at the sales performance of DS Automobiles in 2019, it is important to appreciate the considerable transition that has been made since July 2018 when the distribution network became solely DS. Up until June 2018, sales were shared with sister-brand outlets to a wider audience through c150 dealers selling DS 3, DS 4 and DS 5.

“In July 2018, the Franchise of our distribution network became solely DS, initially with just 25 DS Retailers, to ensure a new and brand focussed platform from which to establish DS as a full-fledged, stand-alone, premium Brand. DS sales volumes naturally reduced significantly as a result, not least because only the new network outlets were able to sell DS models of the new generation starting with DS 7 CROSSBACK in May 2018 and followed a year later with DS 3 CROSSBACK. Since July 2018, the network has continued to expand and currently stands at 36 UK DS Retailers, with more DS STORE outlets opening soon in key locations, and the model line-up grows, recently with E-TENSE electrified versions, with plans to form a six-model range.

“The transition from 2018 into 2019 is now showing strong growth, especially given the 110% increase in sales performance in the second-half of 2019.“

DS Automobiles is well-placed to continue this momentum with the arrival of electrified model versions; the 100% electric DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE and PHEV DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4x4 (with 300hp, 4x4 and CO2 from just 33g/km) driven by a new wave of interest for LEVs (Low Emission Vehicles). DS is among only a few brands currently able to offer all its products with a wide choice of Petrol, Diesel and electrified versions. DS 3 CROSSBACK E-TENSE BEV (Battery Electric Vehicle) is available to order with monthly PCP offers from £369/month and the PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) DS 7 CROSSBACK E-TENSE 4x4 is available from £599/month, with full range and further details at www.dsautomobiles.co.uk.

With its second-generation product range increasing, network expanding, participation in Formula E resulting in Championship success - which helped accelerate product development, means that from now on DS can offer electrified models on all of its new cars, thereby reducing emissions while increasing the appeal with increased performance and operational efficiency.

ABOUT DS AUTOMOBILES
Driven by the avant-garde spirit and backed by the exceptional heritage of the 1955 DS, DS Automobiles, launched in 2015, aims to embody French luxury savoir-faire in the automotive industry.

DS Automobiles is Groupe PSA's Premium brand.

Designed for customers seeking personal expression and eager for the latest technologies, the second-generation DS models combine refinement and advanced technology. With DS 7 CROSSBACK and DS 3 CROSSBACK Premium SUVs, the DS brand plans for a range of six worldwide vehicles, all offered with electrified versions under the E-TENSE signature.

For its demanding customers, DS Automobiles has created ‘ONLY YOU, the DS experience’, with its exclusive service program for a unique brand experience.

Present in 32 countries, the DS brand has created and is developing an exclusive distribution network that includes DS STORES and DS SALONS throughout the world.

Follow all DS news on www.DSautomobiles.com @DS_Official

CONTACT INFORMATION:

KEVIN JONES – Head of Communications
02476 884215 / 07880 786596 / kevin.jones@dsautomobiles.com

CRAIG MORROW – Press Fleet Officer
02476 884261 / 07747 764745 / craig.morrow@mpsa.com

JEREMY TOWNSEND – Communications Director
07827 896480 / jeremy.townsend@mpsa.com

UK PRESS WEBSITE: http://uk-media.dsautomobiles.com

For more information about DS Automobiles, please visit www.DSautomobiles.co.uk

DS Automobiles UK has a presence on the following Social channels:

TWITTER AT: www.twitter.com/ds_uk_official

FACEBOOK AT: www.facebook.com/dsukofficial

INSTAGRAM AT: www.instagram.com/ds_uk

LINKEDIN AT: https://www.linkedin.com/company/ds-uk