The Long-Standing Connection Between Citroën, DS, and French Leadership
The relationship between Citroën, DS, and France’s leaders shows how brands can build lasting ties with government institutions. While some heads of state may shift their loyalty to different car brands, Citroën and its sister brand DS have maintained a close connection with the Élysée Palace for decades.
A Rich History with the Élysée Palace
Since the 1950s, the Citroën DS, favored by French President Charles de Gaulle, has stood as a symbol of both luxury and innovation. This car became more than just a mode of transportation; it became an integral part of modern French history.
As time passed, this relationship expanded to include even more luxurious models, such as the Citroën SM Présidentielle, created specifically for French President Georges Pompidou. Two of these models were notably kept in the Élysée Palace garages. This emphasized the deep and lasting connection between the brand and the French presidency.
Citroën and DS: A Key Presence in Official Missions
Citroën and DS have become synonymous with official missions in France. Their strong relationship with politics highlights how luxury brands can become part of a nation’s identity. This is especially evident when they are featured in major state events.
Shifts in French Presidents’ Car Preferences
Over the decades, the preferences of French Presidents for their official cars have varied. While Jacques Chirac was a notable fan of Citroën cars, particularly the extended CX Prestige model, other presidents favored different brands.
Car Choices Across Generations
François Hollande preferred the armored Citroën C6, though he initially used the specially designed DS5 Hybrid4 during his inauguration. These vehicles represent a continuation of the tradition of luxury and innovation associated with Citroën and DS.
In contrast, Valéry Giscard d’Estaing leaned toward Peugeot, while François Mitterrand and Nicolas Sarkozy opted for Renault and Peugeot, respectively. These shifts in car preferences reflect changes in French leadership values and political trends over the years.
A Return to Tradition with Macron
Emmanuel Macron marked a return to tradition by choosing the DS 7 Crossback convertible, also known as the DS 7 Élysée. This choice symbolizes a strong revival for the DS brand within French politics and reinforces the ongoing relationship between the brand and the country’s leadership.
New Hopes with the DS N°8
With the introduction of the new presidential car, the DS N°8, the DS brand aims to begin a new era of collaboration with the Élysée Palace. This car represents a crucial step toward renewing the partnership between DS and the French state. It marks a turning point in the history of presidential vehicles.
The DS N°8 Debut: A New Era for Presidential Cars
The DS N°8 was unveiled at the end of last year as a fully electric model, marking the flagship of the French luxury brand Stellantis. This brand draws its name and philosophy from Citroën’s grand cars. It has been closely linked to the history of Charles de Gaulle, who preferred these luxury vehicles for his official duties.
Reviving History on the Anniversary of the Armistice
The DS N°8 is more than just a new car; it is part of a long history with the Élysée Palace. This unique vehicle was introduced for use in events marking the anniversary of the Armistice on May 8, 1945. It reflects its connection to major national occasions.
Car Availability for Sale
After its participation in these historical events, the DS N°8 was announced for public sale in September of this year. This represents an important step in strengthening DS’s position as a luxury brand that enhances the prestige of official cars.
DS N°8: The World’s First Fully Electric Presidential Car
The DS N°8 marks a pivotal moment in the history of presidential cars. It is the world’s first fully electric official vehicle. This makes Emmanuel Macron the first president in the world to own a 100% electric official car. This step represents a significant shift towards sustainability in presidential cars. It reflects France’s commitment to advanced technology and a sustainable future.
A Unique Design in Line with French Heritage
The DS N°8 is designed in a deep sapphire blue, giving it a luxurious and attractive appearance. This complements the car’s official character. The front grille of the car is coated with the French tricolor colours, emphasising the French national identity in every detail of the vehicle.
Exclusive Presidential Additions
Among the essential presidential additions, the DS N°8 is equipped with flag holders mounted on the front bumpers. These enhance its official nature and show respect for the national and international events represented by this car.
Interior: The Convergence of French Craftsmanship and Modern Luxury
The interior of the DS N°8 features a luxurious design that blends traditional French craftsmanship with modern technology. In a move to create a car that goes beyond being just a mode of transportation, DS collaborated with several renowned French artisans. They added artistic touches, giving the vehicle a unique character.
Luxury Details from French Artisans
One of the standout features of the interior luxury is the gilded straw woodwork from Ateliers Lison de Caunes. This Parisian workshop specialises in traditional craftsmanship. The workshop was responsible for designing the engravings on the dashboard and door inlays, adding an artistic touch that reflects the heritage of French handmade crafts.
Collaboration with Métaphores and Atelier Lognon
The Dream Blue satin panels from Métaphores, a sister company of Hermès, were used to cover the interior sections, adding a touch of luxury and opulence. Additionally, the pleated fabric on the door cards was designed by Atelier Lognon. This is one of the prestigious companies in 19M, the cultural and creative space in Paris’s 19th arrondissement. The space was created by Chanel to promote French culture and craftsmanship.
Luxurious Upholstery and Modern Technology in the DS N°8
DS Automobiles continues to excel in blending luxury with high performance in every detail of the DS N°8. Starting with the seats, which are upholstered in Alcantara and Nappa leather. They provide an exceptional comfort experience for the president while on the move. This attention to detail adds a luxurious touch to the car while focusing on both comfort and durability for daily use.
Sound System and Armor: Unmatched Protection
The DS N°8 is equipped with a sound system from Focal, a favoured supplier of DS. This enhances the luxury driving experience and fills every ride inside the car with exceptional sound quality. Regarding armouring, the critical armouring process was carried out by Centigon. This provides a high level of safety and comfort simultaneously.
Superior Safety from Centigon
While full details on the armouring process are not available, one statement confirms that Centigon applied its expertise to the presidential car DS N°8. This makes it suitable for use by the President of the Republic. This ensures unparalleled protection and demonstrates the company’s commitment to providing a fully safe vehicle for official duties.
Brand Alignment: No Doubts
With all these details, there is no doubt that the DS N°8 is perfectly aligned with the DS Automobiles brand. It reflects the company’s commitment to delivering a product in harmony with its rich history in the luxury car industry.
