2023 Author: Charles Youmans | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-20 18:41
Citroen launched the premium DS sub-brand a few years ago to compete with brands like BMW. During this time, the French manufacturer constantly produced models that, in terms of characteristics and level of equipment, were comparable to the products of the Bavarian brand. Now Citroen, like BMW, intends to electrify DS cars. The first French models with electric motors should appear in 2024.
The move is notable because DS will be the first Stellantis to switch to electricity. And this will happen 4 years earlier. Note that DS already produces cars that are electrified to one degree or another. So, the recently debuted DS 9 sedan is equipped with a hybrid setup. But Stellantis intends to convert the entire premium brand lineup to electricity.
The alliance said that the decision is intended to provide DS leadership in its segment. That is, Stellantis wants the products of this brand to surpass the models of BMW and other manufacturers from the premium segment in popularity. Management believes that switching to electric motors will help achieve the stated goal.
It should be noted that Stellantis in general and Citroen in particular were included in the group of few manufacturers that registered profit from the sale of new cars at the end of last year and the first half of this year. Now the French-American alliance is forced to transfer all produced cars to electricity. It was recently announced that Stellantis is going to unveil 11 new electric cars and 10 hybrid models over the next 24 months.