DS Brand Individual, Does Not Influenced By Dongfeng Stakes in

On March 28, Dongfeng Auto signed contact with PSA at Global Strategy Alliance Agreement site at Beijing. Just on the same day, DS A-class luxury sedan DS5LS, which means the independence announcement, has market launching in Beijing. For some reason, Dongfeng Auto becomes shareholder of Changan- PSA. In the future, Citroen and Peugeot cars introducing between DPCA, Dongfeng Auto’ son and Changan-PSA, Dongfeng Auto’s adopted son will intersection with each other.

However, the entirestorm seems not concerning with DS brand. New boss of PSA, TANG Weishi makes “DS brand independence” on schedule very early. For some degree, DS is the dependence of Changan-DS.

No wonder that CAI Jianjun, vice president of Changan- PSA says DS5LS market launching will stand as an independent and luxury brand. It improve sales goal of year 2014 to 50 thousands.

At Geneva Auto Exhibition, TANG Weishitakes Volkswagen Audi as example of DS in the future. He says he will to “promote DS as independent brand as soon as possible.” But he does not provide any timetable for DS independence. Meanwhile, FrédéricBanzet, director of Citroen says DS brand has already operation as an independent brand in China now. In other markets, such as other Asian countries and even European market, the method is adoptable as well.

Reporter of known, DS manufacture is made by Shenzhen plant of Changan- PSA, and it sales channel is built independently as well. DS5LS, which just launching market, has completely got rid of Citroen brand to adopted new DS front face design with DS logo. The new DS5LS sedan makes “DS independence announcement”.

DS5LS is almost made for Chinese market. Its A-class long wheel will take compact segment. It will face direct compete with opponent Audi A3 sedan. Its price among 146.9 thousand to 246.9 CNY takes performance- price advantage obviously.

As a mass sales product, not only Changan- PSA has great expectation on it, but also TANG Weishi hopes DS will turn around PSA loss situation after DS independence. “Germany manufactures profit come from their high-end brands. DS is the high-end brand of PSA.” TANG Weishi says.