Citroen at Beijing 2012

Citroen is celebrating 20 years in the Chinese car market with its partner Dong Feng, during which time the joint venture has produced more than 1.6 million cars, including 220,000 last year alone, which are sold through 360 Citroen dealers and to mark this milestone, the French car maker is using the 2012 Beijing Motor Show to launch DS range in China, the new unique to China Citroen C-Quatre, the local market launch of the C4 AirCross and – looking to the future, the world debut of the CITROËN Numero 9.

DONG FENG CITROËN is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. With a network of 360 dealerships, the Brand’s first Chinese joint venture has produced and sold 1.6 million CITROËNs since creation and in 2011 set a new invoicing record with nearly 220,000 sales. The 2012 Beijing Motor Show is an ideal opportunity for CITROËN to showcase its C-segment range, notably:

* The C-Quatre family (hatchback and three-box), a true success story with more than 112,000 deliveries in 2011 that is being renewed with a restyled three-box model
* The CITROËN C5, which sold in 32,000 units in China in 2011, its number-one market since launch in 2010 in the country
* The CITROËN C4 Aircross, the Brand’s new compact SUV, recently released in Europe and set for launch in China in May
* The CITROËN C-ZERO, the Brand’s electric city car. The C-ZERO will be passing through China this summer as part of the Electric Odyssey, the first around-the-world tour by an electric vehicle, which left France on 11 February, some 80 years after the arrival in Beijing of the single-track vehicles in the Croisière Jaune expedition organised by André Citroën!

In a vast country with a population of over 1.3 billion and where mobility is a crucial issue, CITROËN is also presenting the Tubik concept car. The premium high-tech nine-seater shuttle embodies the Brand’s vision of automotive transport in the coming years, with an emphasis on shared, intelligent and connected travel.

By its side is a 100% Chinese, athletic concept car, the CITROËN C-Quatre VTS, based on the restyled C-Quatre three-box.

CITROËN and CHANGAN: 2012, The Year of the DS Line Launch.
Following the world debut of the CITROËN DS5 at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show, 2012 is a key year for CITROËN and CHANGAN, the Brand’s second joint venture in China, inaugurated last November. The DS4 and DS5 will be launched by the end of June, with the DS3 to follow in the second half of the year, while local production of the CITROËN DS5 will start up in 2013.

To make the DS line launch a success, CITROËN’s second joint venture is opening 24 DS dealerships between June and December. The network will be rounded out with nine DS Stores in city centres, taking the dealership total to 33 by year’s end.

The three DS line models will be presented on the stand in different versions, including a CITROËN DS5 Hybrid4, a DS3 Racing and the world rally champion DS3 WRC. In a nod to the Brand’s history and the “DS spirit”, a CITROËN DS 23 will be on show.

Another star on show, this time making its world debut, is “Numéro 9”. CITROËN’s latest concept car points to the future of the DS line and heralds the styling codes of the next three DS models, namely a C-segment sedan, an SUV and a luxury D-segment saloon. These three models will not be reserved exclusively for China, even though the world’s biggest car market – and biggest premium car market – obviously remains the top priority in the Brand’s international development strategy.

* Citroën’s DS line will launch in China during 2012
* Numéro 9 concept to be unveiled at the Beijing Motor Show to mark the DS line launch
* Numéro 9 concept combines radical executive styling with luxury and comfort
* Hybrid drivetrain delivers fuel economy of 166mpg (1.7l/100km) and CO2 emissions of just 39g/km
* Concept signals styling cues of the next three models in the DS line

NUMÉRO 9 in Detail: A fresh take on French-style luxury.

Following on from Citroën DS3, DS4 and DS5, concept car Numéro 9 takes a fresh look at the DS line with a new take on the prestigious shooting brake design.
Subtly combining the proportions of a coupé with those of an estate, Numéro 9 hints at exceptional driving sensations, with its taut lines, long bonnet and ultra-low stance (1.27m tall) on 21-inch wheels. It also promises unique onboard comfort with its generous proportions (4.93m long and 1.94m wide, with a 3m wheelbase) providing plenty of room for rear occupants. The three glass areas in the roof also create a welcoming, friendly cabin ambience.

Numéro 9 evolves the design cues of the current DS line, introducing the new front-end identity of future models, along with an original light signature. The grille is sculpted in 3 dimensions and flows into the full-LED headlights, which end in daytime-running lights. Condensing the distinctive forms of the DS line, the concept also features a floating roof, underlined by chrome trim with discreet DS markings, and glazed side surfaces flowing into the rear window.
A sophisticated use of body colours and materials includes deep black bodywork with subtle hints of violet. The finish, named ‘Whisper’, is a perfect match for the warmer shade of the ‘Californian’ chrome finish.

The ‘Créative Technologie’ used by Numéro 9 combines comfort, safety and respect for the environment, while also delivering enjoyable driving sensations for all occupants.
Every detail was designed to contribute to Numéro 9’s aerodynamic efficiency (CdA = 0.61) including:

* a rear spoiler, which reinforces the fastback effect
* windscreen pillars that contribute to efficient air flow around the car
* ‘Turbine’ wheels with integrated fins to increase the air flow around the wheel arches, reducing both turbulence and fuel consumption.

With its plug-in full-hybrid technology, concept car Numéro 9 is also a perfect fit with Citroën’s environmental commitments.
The advanced drivetrain combines a conventional petrol or diesel engine (depending on the market) with an electric motor on the rear axle that develops 70hp and torque of 200Nm. The electric motor is powered by lithium-ion batteries that can be recharged in just 3½ hours from a normal domestic socket. The model on display at the Beijing Motor Show is fitted with a 1.6 THP petrol engine developing 225hp (165kW) and 275Nm of torque.

With its plug-in hybrid technology, Numéro 9 respects the environment. It has a range of 50km (around 31miles) in all-electric ZEV (Zero Emission Vehicle) mode and, on roads demanding successive acceleration and deceleration, the hybrid drivetrain limits consumption by using both sources of energy. On the motorway, the combustion engine takes over to deliver real performance.

Numéro 9 features new-generation micro-hybrid technology designed to switch the combustion engine to stand-by whenever it is not required.
When the driver requires speed and torque, a ‘boost’ function combines the power of the combustion engine and electric motor to enable high levels of performance (up to 295hp). Numéro 9 takes just 5.4 seconds to go from 0 to 62mph and 25.3 seconds to travel 1,000m from a standing start.

When grip is lacking, the car switches to four-wheel drive mode with the electric motor driving the rear wheels and the combustion engine powering the front wheels. In particularly difficult driving conditions, such as driving up a sloping, snow-covered road, the driver can manually select 4WD mode. The four-wheel drive system and hydraulic active suspension then deliver increased traction, making full use of the potential of Numéro 9 in complete safety.

Looking beyond on-road performance and environmental benefits, the full-hybrid plug-in technology offers a third advantage: the cabin can be prepared before the car is used. For example, it can be pre-heated to ensure the comfort of all the occupants as soon as they climb onboard.