Burgeoning demand from China is likely to add several models to the Citroen DS model line-up, according to PSA's veteran brand chief, Frederic Saint-Geours.
Explaining the group's strategy for escaping from its 'too mainstream' market positioning, Saint-Geours told Automotive News that the Chinese market for premium cars had reached 25 per cent, which made it numerically larger than Europe's premium market.
"We are confident the DS line will have success in China," he said, "because so many Chinese investors are asking us to become DS dealers. The Chinese love French luxury.
"We will develop new DS versions specifically for China: a C-segment sedan, a D-segment sedan and an SUV. We will also sell these models elsewhere in the world. Thus the expansion of the DS line in China might also help us strengthen it in Europe."
Citroen is readying its C-Elysée and the C4 L to launch in Chinese and Russian markets. The C4 L is the first to emerge from the firm's Shanghai style centre.
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"The Chinese love French
"The Chinese love French luxury."
Whereas the brits love cold, clinical, teutonic, stiffly sprung germanic "premium" brands.
sirwiggum wrote:"The
In fairness, this refers to the French luxury goods market in general - the constant queues of Chinese tourists out side the likes of Louis Vuitton is quite amusing!
And good on them if they can exploit it.
Personally I'm up for anything that means the CGT don't attack the motor show in protest at cuts. That CS gas don't half sting even at 200 yards.
More old news?
Didn't you tell us this months/a year ago when the Metropolis or DS9 concept was shown?
Maybe I have de ja vous...