Vehicle change for the National Gendarmerie

The National Gendarmerie, after receiving 17 examples of the Seat Leon Cupra at the end of 2020, a new car dedicated to the Rapid Response Teams (ERI) decided to terminate the contract for environmental reasons. The car emits too much CO2 while the objective is to move toward the cleanest possible vehicles. However, the gendarmerie remains obligated to use the brand, unless the contract is officially terminated. The Cupra Leon e-Hybrid then becomes a choice that meets the gendarmerie's new requirement.

If the partnership were terminated, a new tender would then be launched which would delay the delivery of vehicles essential to law enforcement.

The gendarmerie's new objective is to choose a vehicle with hybrid motorization to reduce emissions. The problem is, regularly driving at high speed with an electric motor drastically reduces range.

Table of contents:

• The new vehicle choices
• The transformation
• The peugeot 5008

The gendarmerie could turn to a French manufacturer. Several criteria are evaluated such as the registration price, CO2 emissions or the vehicle's adaptability in terms of equipment storage and seats on board. A complex specification that excludes a majority of French manufacturers.

The Peugeot 508 PSE is more expensive than the Cupra Leon e-Hybrid, but with more performance could meet the government's expectations. It has 360 hp, a 0 to 100 km/h in 5.2s for a top speed of 250 km/h and a range of 42 km in 100% electric mode. For a price of €67,100.

The Cupra Leon e-hybrid has 245 hp, for a 0 to 100 km/h in 6.7 seconds, a maximum speed of 225 km/h and a range of 60 km. It is also almost twice as cheap as its Peugeot rival. It is available from €39,600.

The choice of a French sports car would also silence criticism regarding the arrival of Volkswagen Group models in the fleet.

A specific decoration is not enough to transform a production car into a Gendarmerie vehicle. The coachbuilder Gruau, specialized in commercial vehicles and special applications, has collaborated many times with the ministry. It is responsible for preparing the models before they enter service. The future vehicles will remain strictly original from a mechanical standpoint, but will be equipped with a specific communication system, reinforced windows, beacons and of course sirens.

It takes 5 to 6 weeks for a complete transformation. 

For 20 years, the company Gruau has developed real expertise in the field of public safety vehicles. From screen-printed vehicles to unmarked cars to specific vehicles, Gruau works in close relationship with the technical teams of the Ministry of the Interior to develop solutions meeting the technical and safety criteria expected by law enforcement. It performs screen printing, light signaling, radio pre-equipment, electrical equipment, window protection and light armoring.

Continuous monitoring during all transformation phases and a rigorous final inspection ensure quality results.

The gendarmerie recently obtained the Peugeot 5008. The SUV features an Active Business trim and is powered by a three-cylinder 1.2L PureTech gasoline engine producing 130hp combined with a six-speed manual transmission, for a 0 to 100 km/h in 10.4 seconds. It has five seats, with the third row seat location here intended to accommodate electronic equipment. 

The vehicles are produced in France, in the PSA factories in Rennes and Sochaux. They are then adapted for their specific use in Poissy. By the end of 2021, 2,300 Peugeot 5008s must be delivered to law enforcement, a significant increase compared to the 1,263 cars ordered last fall.

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