Citroën at the 2007 Internationale

Automobil-Ausstellung in Frankfurt

Citroën displays its 2008 range at the Frankfurt Motor Show

Citroën has become one of the most advanced manufacturers on environmental protection owing to its ambitious policy in this area:

• 55% of Citroën vehicles emit less than 140 g of CO2 per km, and 24% emit less than 120 g/km.
• Citroën has an 11% share of the European market for vehicles emitting less than 141 g/km of CO2.
• The marque has sold more than 500,000 vehicles fitted with a particulate filter.

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën is confirming its position as a leading full-line manufacturer at the forefront of innovation:

highlighting its commitment and technological prowess in environmental protection :

• by launching the AIRDREAM signature that underlines the environmental credentials of models in the range;
• by presenting the C4 BioFlex running on superethanol E85;

showcasing two concept cars:

• C-Cactus, an essential vehicle offering access to hybrid HDi for the price of an entry-level family saloon,
• C5 Airscape, a luxury cabriolet combining environmental protection and automotive pleasure;
• offering the fullest range in its history, made up of 11 saloons and estates, four people carriers, a van-based MPV and a new SUV, C-Crosser;
• presenting its potential for innovation through educational demonstrators that show how, among others, the DPFS, 6-speed EGS, emergency call and Snow Motion system work.

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën is confirming its position as a leading full-line manufacturer at the forefront of innovation with:

• C4 BioFlex, a car expanding an environmental range that already meets high standards of performance. A range promoted by the AIRDREAM label, which allows customers to identify the models with the best environmental credentials;
• C-Cactus and C5 Airscape, two ecological concept cars with strong personalities. Like earlier prototypes, these vehicles demonstrate Citroën's expertise and test new solutions for the future;
• the fullest range in its history, made up of eleven saloons, four people-carriers, a van-based MPV and a new SUV, C-Crosser;
• a number of educational demonstrators that express Citroën's potential for innovation.

Credible products in the field of biofuels and CNG

With the C4 BioFlex, premiering at the Frankfurt Motor Show this year, Citroën is restating its commitment to green fuels.

Building on the significant experience acquired over a number of years in Brazil, where it has sold more than 42,000 flexfuel vehicles (65% of local sales in 2006, with the C3 and Xsara Picasso), Citroën is launching the C4 BioFlex in September. This model will be available only in France and Sweden in the first instance.

This flexfuel vehicle boasts remarkable environmental credentials: the use of superethanol E85 (a blend of 85% ethanol and 15% petrol) limits CO₂ emissions to 160 g/km, compared with 169g/km for the same engine running on traditional super unleaded. 

Citroën is pursuing a similarly active policy in the area of biodiesel fuel. All the HDi engines sold by the brand since 1998 are able to run on fuel containing up to 30% biodiesel without modification. The low fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions of HDi engines are thus combined with a renewable energy. 

Also at the Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën is displaying a C3 1.4i CNG equipped with a dual-fuel petrol/compressed natural gas system. A Berlingo equipped with the same engine is also available. CNG boasts excellent results in terms of environmental performance, with a reduction in CO₂ emissions of 18% and 17%, respectively, and zero emissions of sulphur oxide and lead. At the same time, it contributes to sustainable development objectives since reserves are abundant.

Innovating for the environment with the C4 Hybride HDi and UrbanHybrid technology 

At the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, Citroën is presenting a number of solutions for the future. They include: 

• The C4 Hybride HDi, allying the exceptional efficiency of the HDi diesel engine with the advantages of an electric motor made for urban driving. This vehicle combines high levels of performance with a significant cut in both fuel consumption (3.4 l/100 km over a combined cycle) and CO₂ emissions (90g/km). It also boasts increased range and excellent environmental results thanks to the complete absence of noise and pollutant emissions in electric mode.

A demonstrator on the stand simulates operation of a C4 Hybride HDi. Visitors can observe the action of each vehicle part and its impact in terms of consumption and CO₂ emissions. 

• The UrbanHybrid technology used on the C5 Airscape concept car and whose operation is illustrated by a demonstrator.

This system cuts out the engine just before the vehicle comes to a standstill (slowdowns, traffic lights, etc.). This standby mode cuts both average fuel consumption and CO₂ emissions. At the same time, it temporarily stores large quantities of energy during deceleration in order to boost vehicle torque when required.

In keeping with Citroën's tradition of innovation, the environment is a priority in research programmes. This concerns not only developing and marketing "clean" vehicles but also designing and perfecting concept cars. The Marque is presenting two new ecological concept cars at the Frankfurt Motor Show: C-Cactus and C5 Airscape.

With C-Cactus, Citroën has developed a new take on the car, focused on essential values. A minimalist vehicle with fun, attractive looks, C-Cactus makes hybrid HDi technology more democratic with an affordable price tag.

C-Cactus uses new design processes that bring down production costs. As a result, it costs no more than an entry-level C4, without sacrificing passenger comfort.

C5 Airscape: driveability and respect for the environment

An exceptional cabriolet, C5 Airscape features powerful, dynamic exterior styling and a prestige interior, made for the pleasure of the driver and the comfort of three passengers.

Styled for maximum appeal, C5 Airscape also delivers maximum performance. New-generation traction control provides a level of traction close to that of a four-wheel drive. Alongside these remarkable levels of performance, the functions of the UrbanHybrid system limit fuel consumption and emission levels. 

Citroën uses its long tradition of innovation to develop efficient environmental solutions 

C-Cactus and C-Airscape are the latest in a long line of concept cars through which Citroën has been able to develop its expertise and credibility in the field of environmental technology. Key concept cars are: 

• the Xsara Dynalto, forerunner to the Stop & Start system (Geneva Motor Show – 1998), 

• the Saxo Dynavolt, an electric vehicle with a two-stroke auxiliary engine and an alternator-starter (Paris Motor Show – 1998), 

• the Berlingo Dynavolt, an electric vehicle with an auxiliary engine running on LPG (Geneva Motor Show – 1999), 

• the Xsara Dynactive, a car using parallel hybrid technology (Geneva Motor Show – 2000). 

And more recently: 

• the C4 Hybride HDi, a demonstration vehicle with a diesel hybrid drivetrain that combines the exceptional efficiency of an HDi diesel engine with the benefits of an electric motor made for urban driving (Geneva Motor Show – 2006); 
• C-Métisse, a diesel hybrid coupé featuring electric motors in its rear wheels. This configuration is coherent with vehicle performance and optimises traction (Paris Motor Show – 2006); 
• Cruise Crosser, a diesel hybrid SUV with a third axle that provides back-up for the four drive wheels on difficult terrain (sand, snow). Used alone, the third axle makes it possible to drive in ZEV “Zero Emission Vehicle” mode (Geneva Motor Show – 2007).