Stellantis to expand India operations with new Citroen and Jeep launches, considering India-EU FTA for faster introduction of global models.

Stellantis plans to scale up operations in India with new Citroen and Jeep launches, focusing on "affordable premium" SUVs priced between ₹10-25 lakh. The company aims to introduce new models over the coming years and leverage the proposed India-EU free trade agreement to bring in global models and technologies. Stellantis has invested ₹11,000 crore in India and sells cars under the Citroen and Jeep brands.

Stellantis, one of the world’s leading automakers, is set to expand its operations in India with new launches under the Citroen and Jeep brands, focusing on the "affordable premium" SUV segment priced between ₹10-25 lakh. The company aims to introduce a series of new models over the coming years, leveraging the proposed India-EU free trade agreement (FTA) to bring in global models and technologies [1].

Stellantis has invested ₹11,000 crore in India and currently sells models such as the Citroen C3, electric C3, Basalt coupe, and C5 Aircross, as well as Jeep’s Compass, Meridian, and Grand Cherokee. The company’s MD & CEO, Shailesh Hazela, highlighted that the proposed FTA would facilitate the faster introduction of global models and technologies into the Indian market [1].

Hazela expressed optimism about the FTA, stating that it would enable both the export of India-made cars and the import of global models for testing and localization. The electric version of the C5 premium SUV is a potential candidate for introduction through the FTA route, if the agreement materializes [1].

Stellantis plans to focus on SUVs, a segment where customer demand is high. Hazela acknowledged that the company's current sales volumes in India are low, primarily due to the brand's early stages and the competitive nature of the market. However, the company is confident in its strategy to drive growth through affordable premium SUVs [2].

The company's strategy aligns with the broader industry trend of focusing on SUVs, which have shown strong growth in the Indian market. By introducing new models and leveraging the FTA, Stellantis aims to increase its market share and build brand trust in India [1].

References:
[1] https://m.economictimes.com/industry/auto/auto-news/stellantis-to-scale-india-operations-with-new-citroen-and-jeep-launches/articleshow/123232019.cms?UTM_Campaign=RSS_Feed&UTM_Medium=Referral&UTM_Source=Google_Newsstand
[2] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/business/india-business/stellantis-looks-to-drive-in-affordable-premium-cars/articleshow/123223528.cms