"An innovative chassis concept for convertibles, based on steel and aluminium Project "Xmple" was a joined project of "Hoogovens Aluminium Profiltechnik", "Automotive Design Support", "CXA International BV, "B'tecc BV" and "André Pol" of "Citroën André & Partners".
The project demonstrated the feasibility of using extruded aluminium profiles for structural applications in lightweight car designs. It also underlines Automotive Design Support's commitment to making a significant contribution to the car development process. This application development work is targeted at the rapidly growing market for niche vehicles such as convertibles. The project is based on two specific strengths of Hoogovens Aluminium Profiltechnik, namely extrusion of thin-walled profiles and profile assembly using welding robots.
Designs and scalemodels came from CXA International and Citroën André. First scale models and designs were presented at the Frankfurt AutoShow in 1994. Simultaneously an extensive marketing survey was initiated in order to check the commercial possibilities for an XM Convertible with or without the cooperation of the Citroën factory.
During the design process, project Xmple appeared to have, not only great potential for Hoogovens........ Studies demonstrated that the production of a certain number of convertibles could be also a commercial success. Decision was made to produce a full-scale model. With this model Hoogovens had a great eye-catcher for various autoshows. CXA International could use this full-size model to interest potential investors. In a very short time a group of investors was found and 350 orders for the car were taken, based on a selling price of US$ 70.000.
Various scenarios were developed. The production of a second batch of 100 numbered very exclusive Xmples was also foreseen. In all our plans we were still hoping for some kind of cooperation from the Citroën factory. Since Hoogovens worked together with Citroën in various projects, this was not unrealistic. We realised that a full cooperation was wishfull thinking but getting the basic cars for a reasonable price would have been enough to make the project worthwile. After many meetings, letters and faxes it was not possible to get a straight answer from Citroën. Biggest obstacle for Citroën's legal department was our involvement in the exportation of Citroën to the USA. Our group of investers became impatient. New calculations were made. It appeared that we needed at least another 15% additional discount on the basic XM price. Note that a number of European Citroën distributors had offered us the basic XM's for almost net prices. Since we could not wait forever we stopped our plans for a serie production of the XM convertible. One of the 3 prototypes were finished as an exhibition piece by IAD in England and is still in the possession of the Hoogovens factory. The other 2 unfinished units went to a collector in the USA."
