New DS No. 8 (2025): All you need to know about the start of production in Italy

The new DS N°8, unveiled at the end of 2024 and already the subject of much anticipation, has just reached a key milestone: the start of series production. The new flagship of the French premium brand is taking shape on the modernised lines of the Stellantis plant in Melfi, Italy. This historic industrial site, at the heart of the Group's electrification strategy, will also see the production of several other Stellantis models over the coming years. While the first deliveries of the DS N°8 are not expected until the end of the first half of 2025, the start of its production marks a concrete step towards its arrival on our roads and the beginning of a new chapter for DS Automobiles.

DS No. 8 production launched in Melfi: a strategic milestone for Stellantis in Italy

The Stellantis Melfi plant, located in the Basilicata region, was not chosen by chance to assemble the new DS N°8. In operation since 1994, this site is renowned for its manufacturing excellence and its pioneering role in the adoption of advanced production technologies. Today, it embodies a pillar of Stellantis' energy transition in Europe, combining craftsmanship and state-of-the-art automation. The start of production of the DS N°8 fits in perfectly with Stellantis' "Plan for Italy". This ambitious plan confirms the Group's commitment to its Italian production chain, with significant investments in innovation, training, job stability and the launch of new vehicles. The DS N°8 is the first of a series of seven new models based on the STLA Medium multi-energy platform that will be produced at Melfi over the coming years. This strategic choice underlines Stellantis' confidence in the plant's ability to produce high-end vehicles, especially electric ones, that meet the highest quality standards. As production ramps up, orders for the DS No. 8 are already open in several European countries, reflecting the anticipation surrounding this model, which symbolises the beginning of a new era for the young French premium brand, resolutely focused on electrification.

An expected revival for DS Automobiles

The launch of the DS N°8 comes at a crucial time for DS Automobiles. Although the French premium brand has successfully established its distinctive style and positioning, it faces intense competition in the European market and has recently experienced more modest sales volumes. In this context, the arrival of the N°8, positioned as the new top-of-the-range model, is strategic. It represents not only the long-awaited product renewal, but also the technological and stylistic flagship of the brand for the coming years. As the first model of a new generation based on the STLA platforms, it must demonstrate the potential of DS in the electric and premium era. Its commercial success will be crucial in giving the brand new impetus and reinforcing its image with a demanding clientele looking for refined and technologically advanced alternatives. The N°8 thus carries on its shoulders a significant part of DS Automobiles' ambitions for growth and influence on the European scene.

To sum up, the start of series production of the new DS N°8 in Melfi is excellent news for DS Automobiles. As the French premium brand enters a key phase in the renewal of its range, this 100% electric SUV is the new flagship of its range and represents its highest ambitions in terms of design, technology and efficiency. The actual start of production will allow the N°8 to gradually arrive at European dealerships over the coming months. This is an essential step for this model to finally meet its public, attract new customers attracted by its unique positioning and thus contribute to giving a new commercial impetus to DS Automobiles in a rapidly changing European market. The arrival of the N°8 marks the concrete start of the renewal of DS, with the optimism that this flagship will find its place and confirm French excellence in the premium electrified world.