New Delhi, India – French car manufacturer Citroen is all set to make a big splash in the Indian market. By October, Citroen will be introducing its C3 Aircross Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) to Indian consumers and is aiming to increase exports to markets such as South Africa, ASEAN countries, and Nepal.
In addition, Citroen is planning a significant expansion in its sales and dealer networks in India. The company, part of the Stellantis group, has an ambitious plan to launch new vehicles and expand its customer base in the country.
Citroen’s Indian branch head, Saurabh Vatsa, recently stated, “We are going to start bookings for the C3 Aircross SUV in September and launch it in October. Price will be at the heart of the midsize SUV market.” He also revealed that the company will be launching a new vehicle on the C-cubed platform by early next year.
The company’s growth in India has been impressive so far. Citroen sold 6,000 units of Citroën C3 and C5 Aircross SUV earlier and is likely to double sales this year. This includes 6,000 units of Citroën C3 and eC3 electric vehicles sold during the first six months.
Moreover, the group has invested over Rs 600 crore in India with two factories in Tamil Nadu, including an assembly plant in Tiruvallur and an engine and transmission plant in Hosur. A research and development center has also been established in Chennai.
This expansion aligns with Stellantis’s global plan to invest Euro 30 billion by 2025. Billy Hayes, head of sales, marketing, and regional operations (India and Asia Pacific Region), Stellantis, said, “India is going to be our key market. We are looking at launching Citroen in Indonesia too.”
Citroen’s dealer network will also be growing. Currently, at 45 dealers, the company aims to increase it to 60 by the launch of the C3 Aircross SUV in October and then to 75 by the end of the year. Next year, the goal is to double it to 150 outlets.
The company has recently begun exporting vehicles to South Africa, ASEAN, and Nepal from the Kamrajar Port in Chennai. “We have sent the first couple of batches to these countries,” Vatsa added.
Citroen’s confidence is visible in their capacity to expand, having a current capacity of 100,000 units at Tiruvallur that can be extended to 300,000 units if needed.
The strong push in India and the confidence of 66% of C3 customers being first-time buyers show that the French carmaker is gearing up for a significant role in the Indian automotive market.
This news is based on an article from business-standard.com.
