Peugeot to launch locally assembled car by 2014

French car maker Peugeot plans to roll out locally assembled car for the Indian market by 2014.

The company will begin by importing a range of models in completely built units (CBU) format in India by the end of next year.

"We will start with CBUs next year and then follow it up with Peugeot508, which will be locally assembled and then go to different segments, starting from C-segment (sedan) and then later B-segment," PCA Motors India MD Frederic Fabre told reporters here.

However, depending on the demand, the company could also import the 508 model before local assembly begins in India, he added.

In September last year, Peugeot had entered into an agreement with the Gujarat government to set up a manufacturing facility with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore in Sanand.

The facility will have a capacity of 170,000 units.

The company today showcased a range of cars -- Peugeot 508, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and its concept RCZ Sports Coupe -- at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 here.

Asked if the company plans to launch small cars in India, Fabre said the company has a "top down" approach and that will not change.

On dealerships, Fabre said the company will target the large cities.

"During the initial stage, we plan to be present in the main cities of India," Fabre said adding that at least 100 cities should be targeted.

The French car maker was present in India through a joint venture with Premier Automobiles nearly a decade ago. The JV was later wound up when the company PAL Peugeot Ltd stopped operations.