The National Gendarmerie, after having received 17 copies of the Seat Leon Cupra at the end of 2020, a new car dedicated to Rapid Response Teams (ERI) decided to to break up the contract for environmental reasons. The car emits too much CO2 while the objective is to move towards the cleanest possible vehicles. However, the gendarmerie remains under the obligation to use the brand, unless the contract is officially terminated. The Cupra Leon e-Hybrid then becomes a choice which fulfills the new demand of the gendarmerie.
If the partnership was broken, a new call for tenders would then be launched, which would delay the delivery of vehicles essential to the police.
The new objective of the gendarmerie is to choose a vehicle with a hybrid engine to reduce emissions. Problem, driving regularly at high speed with an electric motor drastically reduces the range.
New vehicle choices
The gendarmerie could turn to a French manufacturer. Several criteria are evaluated such as the price of the registration, CO2 emissions or the adaptability of the vehicle in terms of storage of equipment and places on board. A complex specification that excludes a majority of French manufacturers.
The Peugeot 508 PSE more expensive than the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid, but with more performance could meet the expectations of the government. It has 360 hp, a 0 to 100 km / h in 5.2 seconds for a top speed of 250 km / h and a range of 42 km in 100% electric. For a price of € 67,100.
The transformation
A specific decoration is not enough to transform a production car into a Gendarmerie vehicle. The bodybuilder Gruau, specializing in utility vehicles and special applications, has worked with the ministry on numerous occasions. He is responsible for preparing the models before they enter service. The future vehicles will remain strictly original from a mechanical point of view, but will be equipped with a specific communication system, reinforced windows, flashing lights and of course sirens.
It is necessary 5 to 6 weeks for a complete transformation.
For 20 years the company groats has developed real expertise in the field of public security vehicles. From screen-printed vehicles to unmarked cars, including specific vehicles, groats works in close relation with the technical teams of the Ministry of the Interior to develop solutions that meet the technical and security criteria expected by law enforcement agencies. It carries out screen printing, light signaling, radio pre-equipment, electrical equipment, protection of glazing and light shielding.
Continuous monitoring during all processing phases and rigorous final check allow to guarantee a quality result.
The Peugeot 5008
The police recently obtained the Peugeot 5008. The SUV has an Active Business finish and is powered by a 130hp 1.2L PureTech three-cylinder petrol engine combined with a six-speed manual gearbox, for a 0 to 100 km / h in 10.4 seconds. It has five seats, the location of the third row of seats being here intended to accommodate electronic equipment.
The vehicles are produced in France, in the factories PSA of Rennes and Sochaux. They are then adapted to their use specific to Poissy. By the end of 2021, 2 300 Peugeot 5008 must be delivered to the police, a clear increase from the 1,263 cars ordered last fall.