DS ANNOUNCES THE CREATION OF DS PERFORMANCE

DS is announcing the creation of its motorsport division, DS Performance.

DS Performance is contributing its technological expertise in Formula E research and development to the DS Virgin Racing team. Based at the future PSA Excellence Centre at Satory, DS Performance is directed by Yves Matton.

Harnessing their technological expertise and galvanised by the WRC and WTCC successes of Yves Matton, the engineers at DS Performance have developed the entire drivetrain of the DSV-01, including the electric motor, gearbox and controller. They have also designed its cooling system, rear suspension and transmission. The motor management system was designed together with Magnetti Maretti.

DS Performance will support DS Virgin Racing throughout its season, enabling Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne to draw on all the performance of the race cars.

“More than a simple R&D laboratory, DS Performance will stand as a true showcase of the technological expertise and avant-garde spirit of the DS brand. It was a natural move for us to call on Yves Matton and his teams, multiple WRC and WTCC world champions, to develop the all-electric DSV-01 race car.” Yves Bonnefont, CEO of the DS brand.

“I am very proud that DS has called on us to succeed in the new challenge of developing the DSV-01. After the work accomplished in the last few months, the success of the initial official tests of the DSV-01 with Sam Bird and Jean-Eric Vergne was a great source of satisfaction for my teams and myself. We are going to support DS Virgin Racing and work together from Beijing to London to add motorsport success to the DS brand’s accomplishments.” Yves Matton, Director of DS Performance

About DS Performance

DS Performance is the motorsport division of the DS brand. The experience acquired by DS Performance in the FIA Formula E Championship contributes to the development of electric technologies. The new division will step up R&D in new technologies such as plug-in hybrids and all-electric power that the PSA Group is already working on and that will benefit the DS brand in the long term.

The DS brand

A French brand born in Paris, DS was officially founded on 1 June 2014. Its stated ambition is to revive the tradition of premium vehicles in the French automotive industry. Drawing on the very best of French know-how, DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the first DS, launched in 1955. Designed for customers looking for a means to express themselves as individuals, the DS range now comprises the DS 3, DS 3 Cabrio, DS 4, DS 5, DS 5LS* and DS 6* . The DS range stands out through vehicles boasting exceptional styling, meticulous attention to detail, premium materials and advanced technology, including the hybrid diesel drivetrain available on the DS 5. Marketed in Europe in DS Stores and dedicated showroom areas in the CITROËN network, DS has its own network of sales outlets in China. For customers, DS has come to represent a brand experience that goes beyond the product to include a range of exclusive premium services, in particular through the DS Privilege Club. The brand has sold over 550,000 vehicles since launch.