Citroen Ami revealed - AllCarIndex

Citroen Ami revealed

Feb 27, 2020

AMI, 100% ELECTRIC MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

- For over 100 years, Citroën has demonstrated the boldness and creativity to allow increased access to mobility. At the dawn of its 101st year, the brand is making its mark by unveiling its 100% electric Ami – an all-new 'object' inspired by the AMI ONE Concept.

- Ami is the breakthrough move of an innovative brand, inspired by its customers. A brand that is in tune with new modes of consumption, challenges of urban travel and environmental concerns.

- Ami is a non-conformist 'object': two seats, 100% electric, comfortable and protective, compact and agile, and customisable. It has a unique character that defies established codes.

- Ami is accessible to all: no licence required (depending on the country), with affordable "à la carte" offers adapted to every need, from car-sharing via Free2Move or longer-term rental from €19.99 per month.

- Ami is a new experience: as close as possible to the consumer with a 100% online customer journey and an unprecedented partnership in France with FNAC and DARTY, in addition to the participating Citroën network. Ami offers a global 360° solution for urban mobility, to make freedom of movement easier and suited to the needs of the many.

In 2020, with more than 100 years of history and non-conformist, iconic vehicles in its portfolio, Citroën intends to open up urban mobility to all with Ami - 100% electric.

Citroën's DNA is about innovation, with bold, unexpected solutions in terms of products and services, inspired by the greatest number of people. A direct descendant of AMI ONE Concept, which was introduced at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2019 – generating a great amount of interest – the Ami project has become a reality in under a year.

Ami is a practical response to new mobility expectations for short journeys: easier access to city centres, micro-mobility for everyone, a real alternative to scooters, bicycles, mopeds, or even public transport. This solution comes at a reasonable cost too, with new modes of consumption geared towards digital, and more.

Ami - 100% ëlectric has no equivalent in the mobility landscape. Citroën unveils a truly disruptive 100% electric mobility experience, born from the desire to make urban mobility accessible and easy for everyone.

AMI - 100% ËLECTRIC AT A GLANCE

NON-CONFORMIST MOBILITY OBJECT

- 100% ELECTRIC: zero CO2 emissions for the benefit of all and access to city centres, with an easy, silent and fluid drive. A battery that recharges in just three hours from a standard electric socket, just like a smartphone.

- COMPACT AND AGILE: an ultra-compact 2.41m size and 7.20m turning diameter, making city travel and parking easy.

- COMFORTABLE AND PROTECTIVE: small on the outside and large on the inside, Ami allows two people to travel side by side in total comfort, with a closed roof and a bright, heated interior offering protection from the elements.

- ASSERTIVE AND CUSTOMISABLE IDENTITY: its original style – a play on symmetry – and its unique presence give Ami a unique character. Its customisation possibilities invite you to play with different looks, thanks to the six coloured accessory packs available.

MOBILITY FOR ALL

- NO LICENCE: accessible from 14 years of age in France (16 years on average in European countries). With or without a driving licence, Ami is for everyone.

- "A LA CARTE": Ami is accessible at any time thanks to offers to meet each and every need, from one minute to one year and more, to share, to rent or to buy.

- AFFORDABLE: ultra-competitive offers adapted to usage. Long-term rental: €19.99 per month. (Ami Ami version in France; long-term rental of 48 months, initial payment €2,644 and ecological bonus of €900)

Free2Move car-sharing: from €0.26/min (subject to a monthly subscription of €9.90 with no commitment)

Purchase: from €6,000 (Ami Ami version; including ecological bonus of €900 deducted in France)

NEW CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

- 100% ONLINE JOURNEY: you can discover, configure and buy Ami 24/7.

- NEW DISTRIBUTION MODES: Ami association with FNAC and DARTY allows 'object' availability in partner stores. Ami will also be available to customers wherever they are in dedicated mobile test-drive centres.

- HOME DELIVERY: Ami can also be delivered directly to your home for added convenience.

"For 100 years, Citroën has always been innovative and creative in democratising freedom of movement. This year, Citroën has come up with a new urban mobility solution accessible to everyone: compact, protective, 100% electric, without driving licence and affordable. Ami - 100% ëlectric aims to be a real breakthrough in the access to urban mobility, a solution that is as close as possible to new modes of consumption. This great idea was just a concept one year ago, and we are proud that we have made it happen today. Vincent Cobée, Citroën Brand CEO

1. NON-CONFORMIST MOBILITY OBJECT

A) 100% ELECTRIC

Ami - 100% ëlectric allows you to access all urban areas, with ease, and guarantees a smooth and silent drive as it is 100% electric.

ZERO-EMISSION - ZERO-NOISE - ZERO-STRESS DRIVING

Perfectly suited to an urban life that is constantly on the go and in line with developments in our society, Ami is designing a new type of mobility that specifically responds to the urban problems of today and tomorrow. Everything has been thought through to enhance driving pleasure and make drivers' daily lives easier. Thanks to its 100% electric driving mode, Ami allows access to all city centre areas, including the low emission zones, and delivers limited running costs.

In essence, Ami - 100% ëlectric is a light quadricycle, which benefits from a smooth clutch-less ride and instant acceleration (torque immediately available thanks to electric power), it is capable of speeds of up to 28mph (45km/h). A silent model, thanks to its 100% electric technology, Ami is easy to live with for its users.

RANGE AND QUICK, EASY CHARGING

Ideal for multiple short trips in the city, whether it be going to a meeting, going to work, running an errand or going out for the evening, Ami has a range of up to 43 miles (70 kilometres). A distance far greater than the average travelled by people living in urban areas, as well as those on the outskirts.

Its 5.5 kWh lithium-ion battery, housed flat under the floor, can be easily recharged via the on-board electric cable located in the passenger-side doorway. Once the cable is plugged in, three hours are enough for a full charge on a conventional 220 V socket. The use of Ami is as simple as any everyday electric object. Ami - 100% ëlectric can also be recharged at a public terminal or Wall Box using a suitable cable.

B) BULTRA-COMPACT FOR MORE AGILITY

Ami - 100% ëlectric is a mobility 'object' dedicated to driving in an urban environment, with a unique stance and ultra-compact dimensions. Firmly planted on its specially designed 14-inch wheels, located at all four corners for easy handling, Ami is 2.41m long, 1.39m wide and 1.52m high. It promises everyday agility, as well as easy parking, thanks to its ideal turning diameter (7.20m). With its practical size, Ami can be parked even more easily than some small city vehicles.

C) ON-BOARD COMFORT

As the incarnation of a modern vision of comfort, Ami - 100% ëlectric promises a peaceful ride with its closed and heated interior. The feeling of space is reinforced by the brightness of its interior. Moreover, the clever storage areas contribute to well-being on-board.

BRIGHTNESS

As soon as you step aboard, the interior of Ami is bathed in natural light, combining large areas of glass (windscreen, side windows and rear window) with a standard panoramic roof. The glazing above the body line represents 50% of the total surface. This incomparable introduction of light enhances both the feeling of space for the driver and passenger, while at the same time providing them with a wide field of view. In a nod to the history of the Citroën brand, the side windows are opened by manually tilting the glass upwards, like the 2CV.

TWO SEATS SIDE-BY-SIDE AND SPACE ON-BOARD

Easy access is facilitated by the two large identical doors of Ami - 100% ëlectric. The optimised on-board space means a functional interior. Inside the passenger compartment, the layout of the two seats offers a real sense of space and ease of movement to each occupant, in terms of shoulder width, legroom and headroom. Two occupants can therefore converse comfortably thanks to the seats being located next to each other. 

A surprisingly spacious object for its size, with a sliding driver's seat (longitudinally adjustable) and passenger seat (fixed) that can both accommodate the tallest of occupants. Thanks to this architecture, every space is utilised to the max and storage is cleverly distributed throughout the passenger compartment. In addition to a storage recess at the passenger's feet, which can take a cabin-sized suitcase, the designers have also created another storage area at the rear.

PROTECTIVE, PROVIDER OF INDEPENDENCE

Ami - 100% ëlectric has a body height and driving position that makes the driver feel comfortable, and at the same time, protected because they are at the same level as other vehicles around them. One of a kind, and conceived as an alternative to public transport (bus, tram, underground) and other individual means of transport that have two or three wheels (bicycle, moped or scooter), Ami has another real advantage for its driver and passenger: protection. The level of protection is greater than that offered by two or three-wheeled vehicles, and offers greater independence and comfort (acoustic comfort, brightness) than public transport. Thanks to its morphology, Ami is reassuring for city driving. Its optimised footprint gives Ami stability and a great freedom of movement, with no risk of toppling over, as is the case on two wheels. The closed and heated interior also provides protection and comfort in bad weather.

D) AN ASSERTIVE AND CUSTOMISABLE IDENTITY

Ami - 100% ëlectric asserts its daring character and freely displays its modern nature outside and inside. Ami is a breakthrough mobility solution that tackles the city with style and comfort, and a colourful identity.

DESIGN WITH AN IDENTITY TO TACKLE THE CITY DIFFERENTLY

An identity marker that has accompanied the brand for more than 100 years, Citroën's style is always recognisable at first glance. Ami - 100% ëlectric rewrites the rulebook with its size, its volumes and its original graphic approach, creating a feeling of surprise and immediate attachment.

Ami has everything it needs to become "popular". Beneath its minimalist body shape and sleek lines, Ami highlights Citroën's identity by adopting an expressive front end: headlamps and indicators form a double-decker signature. A strong stylistic bias is also applied to the rear lights, to enhance the consistency of the 'object'. Ready for the city, Ami comes with (depending on the customisation choice) wheel covers, body, quarter light and roof stickers, or capsules on the sides like Airbump® inserts. In addition, Ami incorporates rounded, manually adjustable exterior mirrors.

CLEVER DESIGN: THE SYMMETRY

Design intelligence is at the heart of the Ami project. This mobility object offers new possibilities thanks to its symmetrical parts, inspired by AMI ONE Concept. This is the case with the wide doors that are identical on the right and left, and which open in the opposite direction: rear-hinged on the driver's side to benefit from better on-board accessibility and increased comfort, and traditionally front-hinged on the passenger side. Also, note the two fixed semi-opening side windows based on this same logic. Front and rear bumpers, the bottoms of the bumpers and under-body panels are also repeated at the front and rear. Each part of the bodywork combines robustness, ease of assembly and quality of workmanship.

The passenger compartment is characterised by a rationalisation of the number of materials and finishes applied, in line with the clever thinking at the heart of the design process for this model. In the driving position, the eye is drawn to the special chequered graphics used for the instrument panel display, located on the steering column. This is borrowed from AMI ONE Concept and displays relevant information for instant reading. It always invites you to explore the city on a daily basis in a modern and colourful atmosphere (depending on the level of customisation). To the right of the steering wheel, there is a dedicated area for accommodating a smartphone, which becomes the main dashboard screen and provides access to navigation and music.

CUSTOMISATION

Ami - 100% ëlectric reflects a modern image, accentuated by its unique customisation possibilities. Easy to customise, Ami is available in seven different versions. As a powerful marker of this urban mobility object, its customisation is achieved by accessorising the model.

Trendy and daring, Ami - 100% ëlectric innovates and offers, in a "Do It Yourself" manner, the possibility of creating an object that suits each customer from accessories that you can easily install yourself. This kit incorporates functional decorative items: a central separation net, a door storage net, mats, a storage tray on the top of the dashboard, a small hook for a handbag, a smartphone clip and a DAT@MI box (dongle device) connected to the MyCitroën app to retrieve essential information on your smartphone. There is harmony between the interior and the exterior too, with touches of colour on the wheel trims, quarter-panel stickers or even a capsule at the bottom of the doors. Four main shades are available: MY AMI GREY, MY AMI BLUE, MY AMI ORANGE, and MY AMI KHAKI. These accessory kits allow everyone to create their own ambience and gain functionality.       

Another, and even higher level of customisation, is offered via two packs combining all the aforementioned decor elements and large stickers that dress up the exterior of Ami, and give it a style all of its own:

- MY AMI POP with the Orange customisation and a fun, young and sporty design, with a rear spoiler.

- MY AMI VIBE with the Grey colour and more upscale, chic and graphic accessories that incorporates roof trims to complement the stickers.

The installation of these customisation packs is entrusted to professionals before delivery.

THE DESIGNER'S EYE

"Disruptive projects are always the best projects. These are usually the ones that really drive the automotive world forward, and it is a tradition at Citroën to want to contribute to changing this automotive landscape. The design of Ami is a product design, not an automotive design. A design for which the form must define the function. Ami has been designed from the inside out. First of all, an interior that gives you a different feeling from what you may know, an interior that we wanted to be spacious, despite a very small footprint. Then comes its trim. Clever conception, symmetric (front/rear, left/right door) to build a strong character and unique functionality (door opening). A specific exterior colour that is neither too feminine nor too masculine and that works with the different colour packs we have developed (blue, white, khaki and orange). Ami is a base that can become a completely customised object with exterior and interior accessories that are either pure style or offer real extra functionality as well as stickers that give it a completely different character." Pierre Leclercq, Head of Citroën Style 

2. MOBILITY ACCESSIBLE TO ALL

Ami - 100% ëlectric is inspired by usage and offers everyone real freedom of movement.

A) ACCESSIBLE TO ALL = WITH OR WITHOUT A LICENCE

Ami - 100% ëlectric is a light quadricycle (AM licence class in France) that does not require a driving licence. Therefore, it can be driven in France by 14-year-olds on the sole condition of having passed the road safety certificate, which is compulsory for people born after 1987. Therefore, Ami represents a mobility solution accessible to the greatest number of people, from the age of 14 in France (16 on average in European countries, depending on legislation). All age categories can be satisfied by a solution that facilitates urban and suburban short-distance use.

Ami - 100% ëlectric is designed just as much for the young teenager without a driving licence, who wants to visit a friend's house or go to sports or music lessons completely independently, as it is for an older couple who already have a main vehicle, but who prefer Ami's agility for their short trips. Ami is also likely to appeal to business people wishing to go about their daily commuting, and making deliveries, in urban areas. These are all customer profiles that make Ami a shared object of excellence, in families as well as in companies.

B) ACCESSIBLE TO ALL = AFFORDABLE THROUGH VERY COMPETITIVE OFFERS

Ami - 100% ëlectric makes everyday life in the city easier, by drawing inspiration from new consumption patterns. Beyond the innovative mobility object, Citroën is making a real breakthrough by offering an electric mobility solution at previously unheard of price levels, through various offers tailored to the customer's actual use.

"À LA CARTE" CUSTOMER FORMULA = FROM ONE MINUTE TO ONE YEAR

The urban mobility embodied by Ami is part of a 100% online customer journey, which is intended to be easy and fluid. Ami makes life easier for its customers in their access to mobility by offering them several formulas via the digital world: car-sharing, rental or purchase. The objective is to satisfy all of the travel needs of customers, whether they are occasional or regular, with family or friends, individual or shared.

This mechanism can be customised according to different use cases, and adapts to the user by offering quick and adjustable actions at any time, in just a few clicks:

- LONG-TERM RENTAL, for those who have a permanent need, private or professional, or as the first, second or third vehicle in the household. This is the ideal offer to go to work, for the children, for small journeys for older people or professionals. Ami is financially accessible and offered at a rent of €19.99 per month with an initial payment of €2,644 (Ami Ami version; long-term rental of 48 months, ecological bonus of €900 deducted in France). A breakthrough monthly payment that is much lower than that of many mobile telephone packages.

- CAR-SHARING, for one minute, one hour, one day, operated by dedicated partners according to how the offer is deployed. Free2Move, the current reference intermediary, offers its subscribers an attractive rate of €0.26 per min: a price level comparable or even lower than the majority of moped, standard car-sharing and even scooter offers. Ami is available in the streets as a self-service solution thanks to the use of an app. Forecasts for 2030 estimate that one in three kilometres will be covered by shared mobility. To be noted: Free2Move is the only brand on the market that allows car-sharing from 16 years of age.

- PURCHASE IN CASH, it is possible to buy Ami from €6,000 (Ami Ami version; ecological bonus of €900 deducted in France). A price that makes Ami extremely competitive regarding a number of mobility offers on the market.

WHO IS AMI AIMED AT? WHAT THE STUDIES SAY:

"The common denominator among all future users will not be their gender, age, socio-professional category, place of residence or even less their level of education, but rather their need for mobility. I'm talking about the need for a solution for frequent trips, short distances (going to the supermarket, to the gym), a solution that is simple and easy to access, and use (no need for a licence, protected). I'm talking about a very affordable and resolutely modern electrical solution. Ami is the perfect solution to answer these needs." Michel Costa, Market Research Manager

3. A UNIQUE CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE

True to its brand signature "Inspired By You", Citroën has adapted to new consumption patterns to be as close as possible to its customers. The brand has thus moved away from its usual distribution method and has developed a digital ecosystem that allows all the stages of Ami acquisition to be completed via a 100% online process. It has also signed partnerships with major consumer retail chains to present Ami, and finally, has developed test centres using 'containers' with a specific architecture that will be placed in high-traffic areas. All this will complement a traditional presence in participating official Citroën sales outlets.

DIGITAL AT THE HEART OF THE MOBILITY EXPERIENCE = 100% ONLINE CUSTOMER JOURNEY

Today, users are familiar with making the majority of their purchases online. A consumption mode particularly suited for an urban mobility solution, such as Ami - 100% ëlectric. Ami is atypical and innovative in its concept and its design, but also in its sales approach. A new era is taking shape with Ami and its 100% online customer journey. Citroën has developed a global digital ecosystem that aims to make customers' daily lives easier by allowing them to go from finding out about Ami to placing an order in just a few clicks. This simple and fluid digital experience integrates all stages of the customer journey:

- Product presentation

- Configuration

- Request for test drive

- Order

- Payment

- Home delivery or to a pick-up point

It is therefore possible to acquire Ami - 100% ëlectric 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Everything, from discovery to ordering can be done in peace from your sofa using your tablet or smartphone, in just a few clicks via the citroen.fr website, which is the initial entry point for finding out about Ami and provides information on the product and on solutions adapted to the needs dictated by each person's use.

Digital also has a presence in the use of Ami - 100% ëlectric with the MyCitroën mobile app and the DAT@MI connected box, allowing drivers to access essential information about Ami at any time via their smartphone, including: range, charge status and time remaining for a 100% charge, mileage, maintenance alerts and aftersales appointment scheduling. It is also easy to locate nearby public charging stations, a feature offered by Free2Move Services.

MyCitroën is also a source of information on:

Ami product: information and tutorials in the form of videos on how to use it, and MyCitroën scan, which allows access to product details by simply scanning features on the urban mobility object with your smartphone.

Ami maintenance and accessories: information on spare parts and accessories – customers can even order them via a link to Mister Auto. Access to the map of authorised Ami service networks – Citroën has created a specific network offering full coverage and which brings together approved independent repairers, Euro Repar Car Services garages and authorised dealers.

DISRUPTIVE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK

While "La Maison Citroën" sites, and a selection of dealerships, will serve as a showcase for Ami - 100% ëlectric, the brand will extend the customer experience beyond the usual context by expanding its distribution approach to include partners who share the same desire for modernity. Meaning the same wish to move with the times, and to offer solutions that meet customers' expectations.

COMMITTED PARTNERS: FNAC AND DARTY

Ami will thus be visible in major retailers' stores, such as FNAC and DARTY (more than 30 stores in France in the largest cities from launch, a roll-out will follow in the countries where these retailers are represented, and in countries not concerned, other local retailers may be selected). Citroën intends to create physical points of contact with its prospects within colourful pop-up stores with a surface area of 9 to 15 sq. m.

MOBILE TEST-DRIVE CENTRES

In parallel, the brand also plans to install structures with a surface area of approximately 35 sq. m (in the form of exhibition 'containers'), particularly in shopping centre car parks. These 'containers' will travel across France in the first instance, changing location every month in order to offer dynamic tests to the greatest number of people. It is a way for the brand to meet customers where they are, during their daily lives, to facilitate knowledge and access to this new type of mobility. Locations will be dressed in Ami colours, MY AMI GREY, MY AMI BLUE, MY AMI ORANGE and MY AMI KHAKI, echoing the very graphic and colourful spirit of today's world of decor.

DELIVERY

Another feature of this mobility solution. Ami - 100% ëlectric comes to you! A real plus for this unique model, which advocates simplicity of use. The keys will be handed over to the customer at their home, via exclusive partners. Alternatively, the delivery will take place at a "La Maison Citroën" or at partner Citroën dealerships.

MAINTENANCE

For Ami maintenance, Citroën has set up a specific network of independent, approved repairers, Euro Repar Car Services garages and dedicated Citroën dealers. And to answer all user questions, an Ami call centre will be managed by the countries involved in the deployment.

CONCLUSION

Citroën is inventing 100% electric mobility for all with Ami, an ultra-compact, agile, protective, colourful urban mobility object that is accessible from the age of 14 (in France). A solution that is not limited to the object itself, but is accompanied by major advantages that go beyond the usual automotive context: very competitive "à la carte" offers targeted according to usage, a 100% online journey and innovative distribution methods.

The opening of orders is scheduled for 30 March in France, and a few months later in Spain, Italy, Belgium, Portugal and then Germany. The first deliveries to customers are scheduled for June in France. Car-sharing will start in the spring in Paris, with versions bearing the "Free2Move" logo.

AMI TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS

Length: 2.41m

Width: 1.39m (excluding mirrors)

Height: 1.52m

Turning diameter, between walls: 7.20m

Weight without battery: < 425kg

Total weight with battery: 485kg

Battery: 5.5 kWh