Citroen to kick off India journey with SUV C5 Aircross next year, 4 models in 4 years

European auto major Groupe PSA Wednesday formally announced entry of its Citroen brand in India with plans to launch four models in the next four years starting with its flagship SUV model C5 Aircross by the end of 2020.

The company, which plans to bring in a range of products that would be made and launched in India before introducing in other parts of the world, is looking to leverage on the fast growing SUV segment as it tries to balance volume and profit to have a sustainable business.

Groupe PSA Chairman Carlos Tavares said India is an important market for company to increase its global footprint and revenues.

"It is fair to say we are planning four cars in the pipeline (for India). It is Citroen's commitment to the market," he told reporters here while launching the Citreon brand here.

While he did not disclose details, Tavares said, "Besides the C5 Aircross SUV, there are three more products in the pipeline, which means in the next four years, there are four products coming."
Elaborating on the company's product strategy for India, Citroen CEO Linda Jackson told PTI, "We are launching the C5 Aircross because we want to build image and awareness. So, it is the brand image builder and it embodies everything about the positioning with high-end features."
When asked what type of vehicles would Citreon bring to India, she said, "If you look at any market across the globe, one of the big growth segments are SUV's."
Terming the Indian market as dynamic with high potential, Jackson said, "In India, we will be inspired by the Indians... we will develop highly localised cars to meet customer expectations."
Jackson also said, "We are currently in the process of analysing how it (Ambassador) can be used as it is an iconic brand, we would not like to mean any disrespect to it."