New dealer appointments and an expanded model range are expected to underpin DS Automobiles’ 2022 drive to sell twice as many new cars as it did in 2021.

In a year free of COVID lockdowns, albeit still with industry-wide semiconductor supply constraints, the DS brand is set to attract new customers and continue its steps towards total electrification, says UK managing director Jules Tilstone.

DS is also in the early stages of developing a new agency-style contract for its retailers, which it wants in place from June 2023.

Tilstone shared little insight into how that would change the dealer network’s responsibilities and rewards and said there’s still much to be worked out.

Nine European working groups, including representatives from the network, are looking at key areas of the business, for example digital marketing or finance, to consider how an optimal approach can be developed through an agency agreement.