Citroën India
| Company type | Subsidiary |
|---|---|
| Industry | Automotive |
| Founded | 2019 |
| Headquarters | India |
Area served | India |
| Products | Automobiles, electric vehicles |
| Parent | Stellantis |
Established in 1919, Citroën is a French automotive marque currently owned by Stellantis. Prior to the creation of Stellantis N.V. in 2021, which resulted from the merger of Peugeot S.A. (Groupe PSA) and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles N.V. (FCA), Citroën was part of the PSA.
In 2019, PSA introduced Citroën to the Indian market through joint ventures with the CK Birla Group, establishing manufacturing facilities including an assembly unit in Thiruvallur and a powertrain plant in Hosur. Stellantis later increased its stake to become the majority investor in these ventures. The Thiruvallur factory produces models such as the C5 Aircross SUV, C3, ë-C3, Aircross, and Basalt specifically for the Indian market, while the Hosur site focuses on gearbox production mainly for export and engine manufacturing for both domestic sales and international shipment.
History
Citroën’s entry into India represented Groupe PSA’s third effort to penetrate this market. During the fiscal year 2018 results announcement, PSA’s chairman confirmed that Citroën would be the brand spearheading their India launch.
To facilitate this, Groupe PSA entered into two joint ventures with companies under the CK Birla Group for vehicle assembly, distribution, and powertrain production. Although initially planned for 2020, their market debut was postponed due to disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and associated lockdowns.
Market research conducted by Citroën India highlighted comfort as a primary consideration among Indian consumers. Production of the India-specific C5 Aircross commenced in January 2021 at the Tiruvallur facility. Groupe PSA committed an investment close to Rs. 2500 crore to establish its foothold in India.
Products
Citroën India focuses on designing vehicles suited to local preferences, including electric models. The C5 Aircross was first revealed on 1 February 2021 and officially launched on 7 April 2021 with two variants: Feel and Shine, both powered by a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Industry reports suggest that upcoming models will phase out diesel options.
In September 2021, Citroën India unveiled the C3 ahead of its scheduled launch in 2022. As part of Citroën's C-cubed initiative aimed at emerging markets such as India and South America, this model is manufactured locally with over 90% parts localization.
Approximately six months after launching the C3, Citroën introduced the electric Ë-C3 variant in February 2023, providing an estimated range of per charge.
Current models
| Model | Indian introduction | Current model | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch (model code) | Update (facelift) | |||
| Hatchback | ||||
| C3 | 2022 | 2022 | – | |
| ë-C3 | 2023 | 2023 | – | |
| SUV/crossover | ||||
| Basalt | 2024 | 2024 | – | |
| C3 Aircross | 2023 | 2023 | – | |
| C5 Aircross | 2021 | 2021 | 2022 | |