Citroen of Groupe PSA will make its Indian foray keeping in mind the company’s product range meets future industry norms and customers’ expectations. For those waiting, the first car will be launched in 2021, following their powertrain production endeavour. This comes on the heels of a development in 2016 when PSA Group, parent company of Peugeot Citroen and Birla Group announced an association revolving around an engine and transmission plant.
Built at an investment of Rs 600 crore, the Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu took two years to set-up. Phase I manufacturing capacity is pegged at 2 lakh BS6 compliant engines per annum, and and 3 lakh transmission units each year. Engines and transmission built here are for sale in India and overseas. Engines and transmission would power Groupe PSA cars globally, and cars to be launched in India.
Peugeot is expected to launch a new-gen Ambassador sedan having purchased rights from Birla Group owned Hindustan Motors at Rs 80 crores. In recent weeks, Peugeot DS & crossover has been spied testing regularly in India. The announcement pertaining to Citroen vehicle launch in India has been made during FY2018 financial results. In its second phase of strategic planning, ‘Push to Pass’ through 2019-2021, Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing board, confirms the Group’s intent to reach new markets. As part of the development, Citroen will enter India.
Operating since 1919, the brand sold 1.05 million cars in 90 global markets in 2018. Two joint venture agreements have been signed with CK Birla Group. It’s Indian focus revolves around manufacturing vehicles and powertrains here, and bringing modern tech to an an eco-friendly new product range for India. Locally produced cars will allow the makers to price them aggressively.
“This project means to be fully integrated in India with a comprehensive eco-system including local production of vehicles and powertrains, distribution of vehicles and services as well as procurements for the whole Group. Today’s milestone represents a significant step to meet customers’ expectation in India soon”, said Emmanuel Delay, Executive Vice President, Head of India-Pacific Region.
“We are very proud to launch Citroën in India, one of the fastest growing markets in the world. Building on the Brand’s success in Europe with 5 consecutive years of growth, I am convinced that Citroën’s selling proposition of unique styling, eco-friendly & comfortable cars at the heart of the market has all the potential to satisfy Indian customers’, said Linda Jackson, Citroën Chief Executive Officer.
“Announcement of Citroën brand for our Vehicle JV in India, soon after the inauguration of the Powertrain JV greenfield facility at Hosur in late 2018, is a major milestone for the long term partnership of PSA Groupe & CK Birla Group. It is truly an exciting brand for the Indian consumers seeking international eco-friendly products designed for & made in India with unique styling & comfort”, said C.K. Birla, Chairman CK Birla Group of Companies.
This post was last modified on February 28, 2019 1:42 pm