French auto major Group PSA will be entering India with Citroen C5 Aircrow Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV), which will be launched by 2020.
The cars will be made at Tiruvallur Plant near Chennai, which is part of the vehicle manufacturing joint venture between Group PSA and CK Birla Group. Engine and gearbox
will be built in PSA-AVTEC PowersTrain JV in Hosur.
India-Pacific, Executive Vice President and Head of Group-PSA, Emmanuel Delay said, "Thiruvallur plant will have an annual capacity to produce about one lakh units whereas Hosur plant can produce around three lakh gearboxes and about two lakh engines.
Group PSA has a pipeline of four Citroen-branded vehicles which will be rolled out in the four year period starting from 2020. The C5 Aircross, the flagship product of Group PSA, will be manufactured and launched in India before being offered in other parts of the world. , The company officials said.
Push-to-pass plan
"The India Group is an important step forward for the PSA, which is part of the 'push-to-pass' plan to increase our international footprint and revenue," said Carlos Tavares, president of Group PSA. " "With the introduction of Citroen, our aim is to be 'Indian in India' and our engagement with the CK Birla Group will be important for becoming a major player in the Indian automotive market."
Saying that this group was about to enter India late, he said: "We believe that India has a strong opportunity for development and the agility of our teams combined with our commitment, professionalism and the pursuit of excellence. We will continue our performance and growth, the satisfaction of our future customers in the country. We are not following the market share. We have a long term blossom Many other markets are not doing well and are unstable.
"There is a lot of room for development. We will take our time and we are not in haste. He also said that by 2021, the group's goal was to increase sales outside Europe to 50%. Group PSA Opel in Russia, Citroen, and the U.S. Wanted to launch the Peugeot brand again.
High-potential market
"The Indian market is very dynamic with high potential. We have the right position to meet the expectations of Indian customers. Cars will be launched under the program name of C cubed, which will stand for quiet, comfortable and clever. It will be placed in the center of the market and not as a premium product, "said Linda Jackson, CEO, Citroen Brand, Group PSA.
Adding that the group was planning to capture 2% market share in India in four years, Mr. Delay said: "We have an action plan… our business is resilient even with a 2% share."
