HOW A QUICK BACK-MASSAGE COULD BE THE KEY TO SAFER AND HAPPIER BRITISH ROADS ON ‘BLUE MONDAY’

As the UK prepares to face ‘Blue Monday’ on Monday 20 January, DS Automobiles is educating road users about the safety and wellbeing benefits of indulging in a quick back massage.

With the post-Christmas blues in full swing, an in-car massage could be the key to improving driver alertness, reducing anxiety and enhancing well-being while navigating the often intensive driving conditions on British roads.

Driver fatigue and distractions are listed as a factor in 20 per cent of road accidents on major UK roads every year1, yet studies show a chair massage of just 15 minutes is enough to improve driver well-being and better concentration on longer journeys, according to DS Automobiles.

A third of British drivers admit to being stressed behind the wheel with many blaming the actions of other motorists for increasing their ‘blood pressure’. Tailgating tops the list of anxiety-inducing behaviour followed by bad weather and cyclists2.

As working hours increase, drivers who operate vehicles for long periods of time can experience uncomfortable tension and anxiety on long journeys leading to back and neck pain, poor posture and stress. Massage function combined with air-conditioned ventilated seat technology on the premium SUV - DS 7 CROSSBACK - can help lower the body’s level of cortisol - a hormone released by the body to combat stress – by up to 53%3.

Available on DS 7 CROSSBACK4, the front seats can be heated, ventilated or set to massage; with five modes available including shoulders, lumbar and wave, and each massage pattern illustrated on the central infotainment screen. It is also possible to select a ‘Comfort setting’ to the car’s suspension that analyses the road surface ahead to dampen and enhance the ride comfort benefitting all occupants.

The technology is part of DS Automobiles’ commitment to providing well-being enhancements; DS 7 CROSSBACK is fitted with comfortable and supportive seats made from high-density foam, and additional comfort features can be selected via the central touchscreen.

The sumptuous DS 7 CROSSBACK includes a range of petrol and diesel choices, with the E-TENSE 4x4 version - a PHEV (Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle) arriving in Q1 2020 with CO2 emissions from 33g/km, combining 300hp and 4x4 with no compromise to occupant or boot space.

Vince Clisham, Head of Product at DS Automobiles UK, said: “It’s evident that driver distraction and fatigue contributes significantly towards the possibility of road accidents on UK roads every year, with modern day driving, especially long journeys and challenging traffic conditions, often leading to feelings of stress and anxiety. DS is committed to ensuring its customers are as safe as possible on the road, and we’re confident our in-car seat massage function will help with this and enhance driver experience.”

NOTES TO EDITORS

1 Department for Transport

2 IAM Roadsmart/Swinton Group

3 The Touch Research Institute

4 Standard on Prestige and Ultra Prestige DS 7 CROSSBACK models (the majority of DS 7 CROSSBACKs in the range)

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

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