KEY HIGHLIGHTS
- The car maker also shared a sneak peek of the upcoming C3X.
- It wants to ensure a sales and service network within 100km of every customer.
- The existing lineup is said to be getting major updates.
- The focus is said to be on 'sustainable, long-term growth'.
The journey for Citroen India has not been without ups and downs, the case cerainly being more of one than the other. However, the French car maker aims to change that, having unveiled a new Citroen 2.0 strategy, with the key message being 'Shift Into The New'. There is also a sneak peek towards the C3X, which is NOT going to be the coupe-SUV as per many rumours and reports.
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Citroen India 2.0 Strategy Announced: Details
The car maker has shared a sneak peek of the upcoming C3X, and this needs some debunking done. Unlike many rumours and reports of this being the new coupe SUV or a new version of the Basalt, the C3X for India is highly likely going to be an updated variant of the regular C3 hatchback. The tailgate of the car is visible in the teasers, which clearly shows the upright stance of the car, and not the notchback design of the Basalt, or the coupe SUV of the same name sold globally.
The upcoming C3X will receive things such as a 360-degree camera, automatic climate control, rear A/C vents, winged headrests, new alloy rims, and rear wiper-washer to name a few things.
Citroen India is also set to give major upgrades to its existing lineup; the C3, the Aircross, and the Basalt. The car maker says these upgrades will focus heavily on new feature additions, and we can also expect some design changes to take place as well.
As part of the new Citroen India 2.0 strategy, the French car maker plans to invest further to scale combustion-engined cars, EVs, and localisation. This is in addition to the Rs 5,300 crore that have gone into R&D, manufacturing and other key areas.
Currrently, Citroen India's network stands at a mere 80 touchpoints, which it also plans to double by the end of 2025. The car maker specifically aims to have a touchpoint located 'within 100km of every customer.' With this, Citroen India is also aiming for a deeper penetration into the Tier II, III, and even Tier IV cities.
Shailesh Hazela, CEO & MD of Stellantis India, said: India represents one of the most exciting and demanding opportunities for Stellantis globally and our Citro뮠2.0 Shift Into the New strategic plan is a decisive step forward in our commitment to India. Were aligning closer than ever with Indian customers through locally engineered products, deeper network reach, and a relentless focus on quality and customer centricity. This is not about quick winsits about sustainable growth, built on trust and long-term value. With high localisation, strong after-sales systems, newer ways of customer engagement and a sharp understanding of evolving expectations, were here to grow with India and for India
Verdict
Citroen India has a tough road ahead of itself, and the next few months will be crucial for the French car maker in India. The parent company Stellantis is known to pull the plug on things which aren't working out, with Fiat being the biggest example.
