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Hrvoje Grbac, Director of Citroën and DS Automobiles: We Create Sustainable, Comfortable, Design-Appealing, and Affordable Cars

The current Citroën vision is focused on transforming mobility through affordable, sustainable, and innovative cars, responding to key global trends in the automotive industry. Citroën focuses on creating vehicles that are environmentally friendly, easy to drive, and aligned with the everyday needs of its users. Hrvoje Grbac, Director of Citroën and DS Automobiles, shared insights on how to implement this ambitious vision and what innovations are being prepared for the Croatian market.

How does Citroën’s vision fit into global trends in the automotive industry?

– One of the main directions is electrification – Citroën is heavily investing in the development of electric and hybrid models, such as the Citroën ë-C3 and ë-C3 Aircross, to reduce emissions and enable more economical driving in urban environments. The goal is for electric mobility to become accessible and practical for a wide range of customers, thus joining the trend of green transition in the automotive industry. In addition to electrification, Citroën emphasizes the comfort and ergonomics of its vehicles, following the trend of user-centric design, where the experience of the driver and passengers is at the forefront. The models are designed to provide exceptional comfort – from the suspension to the innovative seat design – which is particularly important at a time when more people are turning to cars as personal spaces, whether for daily commutes or longer journeys.

How is the brand positioned in the local market and what are the innovations in the range?

– Citroën has a recognizable image in the Croatian market, most often associated with comfort, innovative design, and affordability. The brand is traditionally popular among drivers seeking comfortable and economical vehicles, and the new models increasingly emphasize French design, technology, and accessibility. Key points related to Citroën’s position and current range in Croatia are price accessibility, focus on comfort and design, and electrification. Citroën plans to renew its entire range of passenger and light commercial vehicles (LCV) from spring 2024 to the end of 2025. This renewal has begun with the redesign and modernization of the entire LCV range, including popular models like the Berlingo.

After the LCV segment, Citroën is bringing a series of innovations to its passenger range.

– The long-awaited new Citroën C3 arrives after the commercial range, bringing a refreshed design and upgraded technologies in the urban compact. This model will be key for the segment of affordable urban vehicles, with possibilities for electrification. The renewal of the Citroën range continues with the new C3 Aircross model, which will offer modern design and additional conveniences for drivers in search of an urban crossover. The Citroën C4 and C4 X bring technological and design improvements, and they also come in an electric version targeting drivers in urban areas. By the end of 2025, Citroën plans to launch an entirely new C5 Aircross, which will offer the latest features in comfort, safety, and technology, rounding out the renewal of the entire range. This model will be positioned as the leading SUV in Citroën’s offering, with hybrid and electric options.

The DS Automobiles brand has been present in Croatia for almost two years. What is current in the premium vehicle category?

– The focus of the DS brand is on sophisticated cars with innovative technologies, high-quality materials, and designs that offer an alternative to German premium brands. Premium brands, including DS, are increasingly investing in electric and plug-in hybrid models. The demand for electrified vehicles is growing, especially considering tax incentives and subsidies for purchasing environmentally friendly cars. More premium vehicles are coming with semi-autonomous systems, which enhance driver safety and comfort.

How do you attract new generations of DS customers and do we have announcements for new models?

– DS Automobiles has an ambitious plan to launch new models in the near future. Throughout 2025, we will have a fully electrified range, and each new model will emphasize luxury, sustainability, and technological innovations that align with the demands of new generations of customers. These strategies and innovations should contribute to a strong appeal to younger customers and maintain DS’s image as a modern and luxurious brand, a true alternative to German premium brands. We will have the opportunity to see news regarding models very soon, at the end of this year. The brand will unveil its completely new flagship model codenamed D85. This is a completely new, 100% electric D-segment car, which comes as a bearer of the brand’s new visual identity and a vehicle that will be a ‘showcase’ of the latest and most advanced technologies from the Stellantis group. We expect the vehicle to be available in the DS Store in the middle of next year.