DS Automobiles is taking a new step in its commitment to energy transition with the start of production of the DS 4 Hybrid at its Rüsselsheim plant in Germany. This progress confirms the brand's strategy of progressively electrifying its models before going all-electric in the near future.
DS 4 Hybrid: A new chapter in Rüsselsheim production
From autumn 2021, the DS 4 will be proudly produced at the Opel plant in Rüsselsheim, Germany, alongside the Opel Astra. The DS 4 Hybrid, unveiled a few weeks ago, completes the electrified range of the DS compact sedan, giving customers more choice in their energy transition.
The DS 4 Hybrid uses the same engine as the Stellantis brands. It is based on a 1.2-litre petrol engine developing 136 bhp, coupled to a new 6-speed automatic gearbox which integrates an electric motor delivering 28 peak horsepower. Thanks to a small battery combined with powerful energy recovery, the DS 4 Hybrid allows easy 100% electric driving in city traffic, with a significant reduction in fuel consumption and emissions, up to 40% in optimal conditions.
The Rüsselsheim plant is renowned for its technical excellence and high quality standards. Each stage of the DS 4 Hybrid production process is carefully monitored. Painting robots, for example, are controlled by highly sensitive cameras that accurately detect irregularities to ensure a flawless finish. In addition, each vehicle is tested on an in-house test track to ensure the absence of external noise and a high quality driving experience.
Towards an all-electric future: the DS Automobiles vision
The addition of the DS 4 Hybrid to the range marks an important step in the transition to fully electric mobility. Pieter Ruts, Plant Manager at Rüsselsheim, expressed his pride: "The hard work of the last few weeks has paid off. We are proud that the hybrid version of the DS 4 is now coming off the production line in Rüsselsheim and will soon be delivered to the first customers. Our entire team is highly motivated and has carefully prepared the technical systems for the start of production to guarantee the premium quality that DS Automobiles has expected from day one. We are now looking forward to the next challenge: the production of the 100% electric DS 4".
Preparations for the DS 4 E-Tense, a fully electric version, are already in full swing at the Stellantis plant in Rüsselsheim. This final step towards an all-electric range illustrates DS Automobiles' strong commitment to innovation and environmental sustainability. The DS 4 E-Tense will benefit from the same meticulous attention to detail and quality processes for which the factory is renowned.
With the start of production of the DS 4 Hybrid in Rüsselsheim, DS Automobiles continues to combine elegance and innovative technology, paving the way for an electrified future. In particular, with a simple hybrid offer, which represents almost 30% of the market in Europe and is aimed at replacing diesel engines, particularly in fleets, the DS 4 can take advantage of this to increase its sales, which have been suffering for several months: at the end of May, 5,809 units were sold in Europe, a drop of 38% compared to 2023.
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