DS AUTOMOBILES LAUNCHES THE UK’S FIRST CONTACTLESS PAYMENT CAR KEY, POWERED BY bPAY

DS Automobiles has launched the DS 3 Connected Chic contactless payment car key, powered by bPay. The 2-in-1 device is the first of its kind in production and integrates the bPay payment chip, which harnesses Radio-Frequency IDentification (RFID) technology, to turn the existing DS 3 car key into a convenient way to pay.

Customers who purchase a DS 3 Connected Chic model throughout September will receive the integrated car key, allowing them to make safe and fast purchases up to the eligible spending limit of £30 at more than 490,000 locations across the UK. Customers will also be able to track their spending, top up their balance, and take control to block or cancel the contactless payment element using the dedicated bPay app available on iPhone or Android devices.

DS 3 Connected Chic is the new well-equipped trim level model, offering an attractive and compelling mix of stylish design and modern technological features. DS 3 is a stylish design, with highlights that include17-inch black diamond-cut ‘Aphrodite’ alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning and eMyWay satellite navigation. In addition, drivers can easily stay connected due to the mirror screen technology with Mirror Link® and Apple CarPlay™ which replicates the driver’s smartphone screen onto the 7-inch colour touchscreen in the centre console. For just £900 more, compared to the Chic trim level, Connected Chic models represent an excellent choice for discerning customers, with an additional £2,000 worth of supplementary features.

Mark Blundell, UK Marketing Director at DS Automobiles UK said; “At DS we’re always looking at how we can credibly complement our customer’s active lifestyles, where staying connected and being able to easily interact with the world is key. With the combination of connectivity features integrated into DS 3 Connected Chic models, and the ability to make those must have purchases by using one integrated device – with the DS contactless payment car key, we really feel we have achieved this.”

DS 3 Connected Chic models start from £15,775 OTR with the PureTech 82 manual version, available from £199/month with a 3-year warranty, DS roadside assistance, and contactless payment key. DS 3 Connected Chic with contactless key is available in the UK only.

For more information on DS 3 Connected Chic, visit the DS Website http://www.dsautomobiles.co.uk/ds-models/ds-3/design/ds-3-connected-chic

CONTACT INFORMATION:

KEVIN JONES – Head of Communications

02476 884215 / 07880 786596 / kevin.jones@dsautomobiles.com

ANDREW DIDLICK – Director, Communications, Events & Sponsorships

07836 362859 / andrew.didlick@mpsa.com

CRAIG MORROW – Press Fleet Officer

02476 884261 / 07747 764745 / craig.morrow@mpsa.com

JOHN KENDALL – Fleet PR Consultant

07941 782956 / johnkendall@inl.co.uk

LINDA YANG – PR Manager, Barclaycard

02035 555586 / siyuanlinda.yang@barclaycard.co.uk

For more information about DS Automobiles, please visit www.DSautomobiles.co.uk

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About bPay

The bPay payment chip within the car key is available to anyone with a UK-registered Visa or MasterCard debit or credit card. Users can conveniently add funds to their digital wallet ‘on the go’ using the mobile app, online through the bPay web portal, or set their account to top-up automatically when their balance falls below a pre-set level. Safer than carrying cash and just as secure as any credit and debit card, all payments come with the same fraud protection that is applied to contactless cards. If lost or stolen, users can remotely shut down their contactless accessory via the bPay mobile app or bPay website.

Payment functionality is subject to application and acceptance of T&Cs bpay.co.uk/terms-and-conditions.

Bpay.co.uk

@bPay

About DS Automobiles

A French brand born in Paris, DS was officially founded on 1 June 2014. Its ambition is to revive the tradition of premium vehicles in the French automotive industry. Inspired by the very best of French know-how, DS perpetuates the values of innovation and distinction inherited from the first DS, launched in 1955.

Designed for customers looking for a means to express themselves as individuals, the DS Collection comprises DS 3, DS 3 CABRIO, DS 4, DS 4 CROSSBACK, DS 5 and soon the all-new DS 7 CROSSBACK. The models in the DS range stand apart through their avant-garde design, refinement and attention to detail, advanced technology and dynamic serenity. Presented at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, DS 7 CROSSBACK, the SUV by DS featuring Parisian-style innovation and savoir-faire, ushers in the second generation of DS models. With the DS 7 CROSSBACK La Première limited edition model, forward thinkers can reserve their car online or at a DS Store or DS Salon, and be the first to get behind the wheel. Committed to high-performance hybrid and electric cars, the Brand will launch the DS 7 CROSSBACK equipped with E-Tense, the hybrid powertrain by DS, in 2019.

Available from DS Stores, DS Salons and a selection of other dedicated zones within the Dealership network, DS also has flagship stores – DS WORLD PARIS and a DS URBAN STORE in the UK, located in the Westfield London shopping centre in White City.

DS also supports year-round artistic and cultural activities on the themes of fashion, design, art and gastronomy, respecting and inspired by the values of the DS line. In the UK DS Automobiles is a sponsor of Sky Arts and with gastronomy has Pascal Aussignac as its UK DS brand Ambassador linked to participation and sponsorship at Taste of London (June) and Events-in-the-Sky (held in Glasgow, London, Newcastle, Bristol & Southampton).

Follow all DS news on www.DSautomobiles.com @DS_Official