French Carmaker Citroen To Begin It’s Indian Journey With The C5 Aircross SUV

Groupe PSA which owns the Citroen Brand held a press conference in Chennai, launching the Citroen Brand and showcasing their first product to enter the Indian Market. In a joint venture with the CK Birla group, Groupe PSA has entered the bustling Indian Automobile Market with the Brand Citroen. The C5 Aircross will be the first product from Citroen in India, launching in 2020.  

With one new launch every year from 2021 after the New Citroën C5 Aircross SUV the new range of products will be launched in India before the rest of the world. This new programme to be launched in India will come under the name of C Cubed, standing for Cool, Comfort and Clever. 

Mr. Carlos Tavares, Chairman of the Managing Board, Groupe PSA, said, “India is an important next step for Groupe PSA, as part of the Push to Pass plan to increase our international footprint and revenues. With the introduction of Citroën, our aim is to ‘be Indian in India’ and our association with the CK Birla Group, will be important to become a major player in the Indian automotive market. Globally, we have been successful in Europe and in other parts of the world because of our unique automotive experiences and delivering mobility solutions to meet our customer expectations. We really believe that India is a strong opportunity for growth and our commitment, professionalism and agility of our teams, combined with the pursuit of operational excellence, will sustainably drive our performance and increase the satisfaction of our future customers in the country.”

Speaking about the brand, Ms. Linda Jackson, Chief Executive Officer, Citroën Brand, Groupe PSA, said, “We are celebrating Citroën’s Centenary, 100 years of a brand which has constantly looked to the future of the automotive industry, by offering innovative solutions in line with the needs of each era. Globally, Citroën’s success is based on unique  design, and benchmark comfort. The India automotive market is very dynamic with a high potential. We believe we have the right positioning to meet the expectations of the Indian customers. I am confident that the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV will set a benchmark in style, comfort and innovation in its segment in India.”

Sharing his thoughts on the brand and region, Mr. Emmanuel Delay, Executive Vice President & Head of India-Pacific, Groupe PSA, said, “As a new player in the Indian automotive market, we will stick to remaining committed to our philosophy of constantly looking to the future and setting high standards of innovation while continuing to build on the brand attributes. Our India story will play a crucial role in making the Citroën brand more international. We are on track to meet our objective of introducing our innovative range, starting from the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV, which will be the first of many differentiating products from the brand from our vehicle manufacturing JV between the PSA Groupe & the CK Birla Group located at Tiruvallur, Tamil Nadu. Production of Powertrains from our PSA - AVTECPowertrain JV at Hosur, Tamil Nadu is also on track and will support our local and global requirements.”

Sharing his views on building the brand in India, Mr. Roland Bouchara, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Citroën India, said, “Citroënbrand in India is here and here to make a difference. India is important to Citroën and this is evident as we plan to bring in a new range of products, after the new Citroën C5 Aircross SUV that will be made and launched in India first before being rolled out globally.” He also added, “India is a unique market and Indians are adopting new technologies at a very rapid pace. To support our range of unique new products and our in-depth study of the Indian market, we have planned for a unique customer experience, which will enable us to be the new digital reference for a seamless customer experience in the Indian automotive market. We are planning to introduce a unique digitally disruptive, omni-channel customer journey to deliver ATAWADAC ((AnyTime AnyWhere AnyDevice AnyContent) experience to customers. Our Network focus will be to develop lean & phygital (physical + digital) formats with a ‘brick to click’ orientation. This seamless experience will be brought alive by personalized digital sales and service processes for our customers.” 

The Citroën C5 Aircross SUV stands apart through its chic and very european design. Measuring 4.5mtr in length, the new model stands out in the SUV segment with its flowing shapes large wheels, higher ground clearance and distinctive roof bars. The Model on display was an international spec variant loaded with features now how many of these features actually come to India, we will have to see.