Gasgoo.com (Shanghai June 20) - The first Citroën DS Store opened its doors for business today in Jiangsu's capital of Nanjing, auto.163.com reported today. Its opening marks the French manufacturer's first step towards establishing an independent sales network for its DS product range in China.
The 18,000 sq. m. store (pictured above) is the first of 25 to be set up this year, Arnaud Ribault, head of Changan PSA's business division, said at it is opening ceremony. Nine other stores, located in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Hefei and Guangzhou, will begin operation within the next month or so. The joint venture will cooperate with authorized dealers for the first batch of stores.
By the end of 2013, the JV expects to have 80 DS Stores located in 55 cities spread across China. That number is planned to increase to 130 by the end of 2014 and 200 by the end of 2015. The stores will be located in the vicinity of other luxury brand dealerships.
The Citroën DS series will make its debut in China this year, with its models currently available as imports. Domestic production of the DS line is planned to begin next year.
Changan PSA has high expectations for the DS in China. According to JV CEO Eric Apode, the market for luxury automobiles in China grew over 30 percent last year. He believes that Chinese automobile consumers, especially those of luxury models, have begun looking for more individuality in their purchases, something which he believes the DS will offer them.
According to various reports, the Citroën DS4 and DS5 are expected to make their market debut later this month. The DS3, meanwhile, will come to the country in August.
