DS7 Crossback, the first PSA model to introduce autonomous technology

The French carmaker has announced that it will introduce autonomous driving technology in its cars from 2018. The DS7 Crossback will feature the latest level 2 autonomous driving systems that the PSA Group is developing.

Among these driver assistance systems, the Park Pilot (autonomous parking) and the Connected Pilot (which keeps the vehicle within its lane and monitors the distance to other cars) stand out. These two systems will be introduced in future models from Peugeot and Citroën.

The DS7 will be the first model from the French group to include level 2 autonomous systems, starting in 2018. “Models from Peugeot and Citroën will have this technology once it debuts on the DS7“, says Marguerite Hubsch, PSA spokesperson. However, the French group has not wanted to give a specific date for the introduction of this advanced technology in these brands.

PSA currently offers several level 1 driver assistance systems in its models: adaptive cruise control, automatic braking and the lane-keeping assistant. These devices are available on the Peugeot 208, 308, 2008, 3008 and Traveller, as well as on the Citroën C3, C4 Picasso and Spacetourer.

PSA intends to incorporate level 3 autonomous driving technology in its vehicles from 2020. Although this type of system is not yet legal in our country, the French carmaker is authorised to develop this technology. PSA is working with partners such as Valeo, TRW, Safran and Bosch with the aim of bringing this project to fruition.

Despite officially declaring its interest in developing the autonomous technology of its cars, PSA will take a more conservative approach than its rivals in the market. According to a report measuring carmakers’ competitiveness in autonomous vehicles, the French manufacturer ranks eleventh on a list of 18 automotive groups. The study carried out by Navigant Research measures criteria such as market introduction strategy, production plans, partners, marketing, product portfolio and staying power.