DS will work on bespoke tech and collaborate with Peugeot and Citroen

DS will develop its own car technology, in addition to sharing systems with sister brands Peugeot and Citroën, according to company boss Yves Bonnefont.

Speaking at the launch of the new DS 3 in Paris this week, Bonnefont shed more light on how the three brands will deal with the introduction of new technology in its vehicles.

“The Group has defined a technology road map containing three paths,” he said. “First there is technology that will be shared between the three brands because they are the core elements.

“Second, there is technology where one brand will take the lead for two or three years to establish the technology, which can then spread to the other brands. Finally there is technology that’s fully dedicated to one brand.”

With DS being positioned as the premium brand within the PSA Group, Bonnefont said it is “aspiring to launch a number of new technologies for the group”. Its recent concept cars, such as the Wild Rubis created for the Shanghai motor show in 2013, have placed an emphasis on technology, such as plug-in hybrid systems.

DS will spearhead PSA’s efforts in terms of electrification and plug-in hybrid technology, but Bonnefont hinted that other ideas are also being developed for the company’s future cars.

“We are revisiting the technology associated with chassis because this is something coming from our DNA,” he said, in reference to the revered original DS that went on sale in 1955.

“It is a DNA we share with Citroën. Citroën will follow its route, and we will go our own route, both of us with different technologies developed according to our own DNA.”

DS officials have confirmed that work is underway on a bespoke suspension system for its cars that's separate from the system being developed by Citroën.