Citroën at the Paris Motor Show 2008

A leader on environmental issues 

Thirty percent of the vehicles sold by Citroën in Europe emit no more than 120 g of CO₂/km. Restating its commitment and leadership in environmental technologies, the Marque is turning the spotlight on its:

• clean vehicles, emitting less than 120 g of  CO₂/km;
• proven technologies, such as the particulate filter, Stop & Start and the clutchless gearbox;
• hybrid vehicle strategy, with four concept cars HYmotion: Hypnos, illustrating the latest breakthroughs in this field with the hybrid technology HYmotion4; the C4 HYmotion2 and C-Cactus, reflecting Citroën's plans to integrate this promising solution in affordable mass-market vehicles; and the C4 WRC HYmotion4, extending ecological principles to sports cars.

Citroën aims to meet the needs of an increasingly diversified and demanding customer base, as illustrated by its wide and innovative range.

• With the C3 Picasso, Citroën is premiering a new-generation MPV of bold, ingenious design, suitable for all situations
• European leaders in the compact MPV and leisure-activity vehicle segments, the C4 Picasso and new Berlingo deliver an exceptional travelling experience with enhanced driveability, light and modularity. The C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are expanding their line-up of driving aids and engines, while the new Berlingo is now available in a seven-seater version.
• Restyled and with new engines, the new C4 delivers even higher standards of performance with increased economy.
• Also premiered at the show, the C3 Pluriel Charleston borrows the two-tone black and burgundy colour scheme of its predecessor, the 2CV, which is celebrating its 60^th birthday on October 7.

Concepts shaping new trends and innovations 

Five new concept cars give Citroën an opportunity to showcase its expertise and to establish its credibility in a number of areas:

• the environment, with Hypnos, a new take on an ecological executive vehicle, and C-Cactus, an ecological and attractive expression of the essential car;
• creativity with GTbyCITROËN. This concept car makes Citroën the first vehicle manufacturer to cross the boundaries between the real and virtual worlds with a life-sized concept car created specially for the Gran Turismo 5 driving simulator;
• fashion and luxury, with the 2 CV ‘Hermès’ and two C3 Picasso concept cars with unique colours and materials.

100% useful technologies 

Citroën is also synonymous with technology. The Marque is continuously rolling out new innovations to enhance passenger comfort and safety, such as:

Snow Motion, a world first in traction technology, and Hydractive III+ for superlative road manners;

• the clutchless gearbox, for its sheer driveability,
• Stop & Start, a system that cuts fuel consumption by putting the engine in standby, for a quiet, comfortable journey;
• the active bonnet system, the lane departure warning system, and Xenon dual-function directional headlamps for high standards of safety;
• the fixed-centred controls steering wheel, the head-up display, the USB Box and a telematics range with the recent addition of MyWay, a system for relaxed travelling.

A leader on environmental issues

Citroën has an active stance on the environment:

• almost 30% of the vehicles sold by the Marque in Europe emit no more than 120 g of CO₂  per km (market share of 15%);
• almost 50% emit no more than 140 g of CO₂  per km (market share of 10%);
• with European market share of more than 25% for cars emitting no more than 110 g CO₂/km, the C1 is the leading economical/ecological vehicle.  

Citroën vehicles combine respect for the environment with functional efficiency, at an affordable price. At end-2007, Citroën introduced the Airdream^® eco-label for the most ecological vehicles in its range. 

EFFICIENT TECHNOLOGIES FOR LOWER FUEL CONSUMPTION AND LESS POLLUTION 

Citroën has initiated new technologies that cut fuel consumption and limit emissions of CO₂ and particulates. The HDi engines and particulate filter consume between 20% and 35% less fuel than a comparable petrol engine, as well as doing away with particulates and smoke. 

Other systems have also been developed and brought to market: 

• A high-performance micro-hybrid system: Stop & Start
  Citroën was one of the first manufacturers to market the Stop & Start system, shipping it with the C2 and C3. This micro-hybrid technology cuts fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions  in the city by around 10% – and up to 15% in heavy traffic.
  A new-generation Stop & Start system will arrive on the market in 2010. The aim for Citroën is to make the system available across the entire range, on both petrol and diesel vehicles. The new-generation system, which will cut fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions still further, will continue to use alternator/starter technology. This is the best solution for instant start-ups that are transparent to users. 
  For enhanced performance, the new Stop & Start will also recover energy during deceleration and braking, in order to recharge the vehicle battery without increasing consumption. 
• New petrol engines for greater driveability and economy
  Citroën is marketing a new family of high-tech petrol engines developed jointly with the BMW Group. More economical, more ecological and with higher standards of performance, they also deliver enhanced driveability. The new C4 was the first Citroën model to reap the benefits of these VTi 120 and THP 150 engines, followed by the C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso. The C3 Picasso will also be available with the VTi 95 engine. 
• Lower consumption with the clutchless gearbox
  Citroën is European leader in the field of smart gearboxes. The 5- or 6-speed clutchless gearbox is a real alternative to conventional manual and automatic transmissions, not only in terms of driveability and comfort, but also in terms of fuel consumption, which is between 3 and 5% lower than with a manual gearbox. Today, this gearbox is available on many vehicles in the range: from the C1 to the C4 hatchbacks, not forgetting Nemo, C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso. 
• An efficient line-up in biofuels
  All the HDi engines in the range can run on a fuel blend containing up to 30% biodiesel. This technology reduces CO₂ emissions and promotes the use of renewable energy.
  BioFlex versions of the C3, C4 and Xsara Picasso running on superethanol E85 (85% ethanol and 15% petrol) are also available in some countries such as Brazil. These models also have strong environmental credentials, with CO₂ emissions from field to wheel being reduced by up to 40%. 
• Dual fuel petrol-CNG versions
  Citroën is also marketing dual-fuel petrol-CNG versions of the C3, Berlingo First and C4 Picasso in some countries. These vehicles run primarily on natural gas, which produces around 18% less CO₂ emissions than petrol, while emitting no particulates, sulphur, benzene lead or other harmful by-products. 

HYBRID technology AT THE HEART OF ENVIRONMENTAL STRATEGY 

• HYmotion4 technology: thrills and efficiency
  The architecture of HYmotion 4, a diesel hybrid drivetrain, presented at the Paris Motor Show on the Hypnos concept car, is unique for its rear axle-mounted electric motor. This simple and innovative layout optimises the dynamic performance and traction of the vehicle, while keeping down fuel consumption and emissions (4.5 l/100 km and 120 g/km of CO₂ for Hypnos). It also features an "extended" completely silent all-electric mode. 
  If the driver keeps his foot down on the accelerator pedal, the boost function kicks in to provide the immediate torque required. This function combines the torque of the combustion engine with that of the electric motors to deliver outstanding performance without increasing fuel consumption. In conditions of low grip or strong acceleration, the car goes into four-wheel drive mode, with the electric motor powering the back wheels and the combustion engine the front wheels. This four-wheel drive configuration provides greater traction.
  The new HYmotion 4 technology will be used on future Citroën vehicles. 
• C-Cactus: a new attractive and ecological take on the essential car
  C-Cactus is an ingenious take on vehicle design, centred on essential values. The Marque's ambitious aim was to develop an ecological hatchback with cheerful, attractive styling, sold at the same price as an entry-level C4. With its HDi hybrid drivetrain, it consumes just 2.9 litres /100 km for 78 g/km of CO₂. 
  To square this complex equation, Citroën is exploring new forms of design. It has decided to abandon features that are not essential to comfort and to focus instead on technology, styling and equipment that are positive, ecological and valued by users. 

Citroën continuously develops new technologies that set the highest standards in comfort and safety for all passengers. Examples include the active bonnet system, the lane departure warning system, the fixed-centred controls steering wheel, hill start assist, Xenon dual function directional headlamps, the head-up display, Stop & Start or the clutchless gearbox.

The latest technological innovations include: 

• SNOW MOTION, intelligent traction control 
  Snow Motion, exclusive to Citroën, is an innovative traction control system with extended functions. It significantly improves traction on snow-and ice-covered surfaces. The new C5, C4 Picasso and Grand C4 Picasso are the first Citroën models to feature this system. 
• A CUSTOMISED NAVIDRIVE SYSTEM FOR THE NEW C5
  The NaviDrive navigation system on the new C5 is renowned for its colour screen, hard disk for storing maps and music, Jukebox function, GSM phone and – above all –  its link to Citroën Emergency, which calls out the emergency services in the event of an accident. 
• In September 2008, NaviDrive expanded its functions with a video DVD player, a Bluetooth® hands-free kit and – above all – a new user interface and new "Full 3D" maps displaying street names, building names, monuments and relief 
• MYWAY, AN AFFORDABLE NAVIGATION SYSTEM WITH A WIDE RANGE OF FUNCTIONS 
  The new radio navigation system, MyWay, features a comprehensive range of functions at an attractive price. The new audio and multimedia system comprises a navigation system with a built-in colour screen, European maps on an SD-card type medium, an MP3-compatible audio CD player and a Bluetooth^® hands-free kit. 
• USB BOX, TO REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH THE WORLD
  The USB Box lets users listen to their favourite tunes in the car by connecting an MP3 player or mobile phone to the vehicle’s audio system. This modern equipment comprises a USB port, a jack and a Bluetooth^® hands-free kit. The music is controlled using the functions of the original system, whether located on the central console or steering wheel.