Citroen in talks with local players for India entry

Recently in Geneva The French presence in the Indian automobile industry could receive a boost within the next couple of years with the entry of Citroen. Encouraged by the success of Renault and undeterred by the hurried exit of parent brand Peugeot a few years ago, Citroen is now exploring the possibility of entering the Indian market and may join hands with a local partner.

Speaking to Business Line at the company?s stall at the Geneva Motor Show, the company spokesperson Ms Gro Hoeg said that Citroen is in talks for a possible India entry. She however, refused to name the parties with whom the company is currently engaged in discussions.

The Citroen brand is part of the PSA Peugeot Citroen Group. It has a strong French and European presence and has the entire range of passenger vehicles under the umbrella brand. Of particular interest to the Indian market would be its small cars and compact sedans.

Talking about its products, the Citroen spokesperson said that the company has cars like the C1 and C2 which are small hatches that will be suitable for the Indian market. Incidentally, the C1 is a small car which is made on the same platform and re-badged as the Toyota Aygo and the Peugeot 107, by the companies in a three-way joint manufacturing venture. It is not clear whether Citroen will eventually set up a wholly-owned subsidiary in India or will want to adopt the contract manufacturing route. Citroen?s most iconic car was the 2CV, which along with the Volkswagen Beetle was among the first people?s car to be built.