French carmaker Citroen is all set to introduce its C3 Aircross Sport Utility Car (SUV) within the Indian market by October, adopted by one other car early subsequent yr on the C-cubed platform, mentioned a prime official.
“Earlier, we mentioned we will likely be launching three autos on C-cubed platform. Now, we’re going to launch the fourth one by early subsequent yr,” Citroen India Department Head Saurabh Vatsa mentioned throughout the media interplay.
At the moment, all three fashions of Citroen are based mostly on C-cubed platform. The primary product C3 Aircross hatchback was launched in 2022, electrical hatchback e-C3 in 2023 and now C3 Aircross SUV.
In keeping with Mr. Vatsa, manufacturing of C3 Aircross SUV has commenced on the Tiruvallur plant. Bookings will start by September and deliveries by October. The value will likely be introduced nearer to that date.
“It’s a mid-size SUV powered by 1.2 litre turbo petrol motor with six pace handbook transmission. It comes with 5 plus two seats which no different car out there provides,” he mentioned.
Whereas refusing to disclose the manufacturing quantity or particulars concerning the upcoming mannequin, he mentioned that the plant was working in two shifts and had sufficient capability to rejig the manufacturing numbers as per the demand.
“Initially, this automotive is supposed for home market consumption. It has an indigenisation degree of over 90% like the opposite fashions,” he mentioned.
It is going to tackle the likes of Hyundai Creta, Kia Seltos, Volkswagen Taigun, Maruti Grand Vitara and Toyota City Cruiser Hyryder amongst others.
Throughout 2022, Citroen offered 6,000 models within the home market. Within the first seven months, it has offered greater than 6,000 models. The corporate officers had been hopeful of promoting greater than 10,000 models or double that of final yr’s gross sales numbers.
He mentioned that sellers’ community enlargement, introduction of recent fashions and consciousness enhancement would drive Citroen quantity progress in India. The carmaker at present has 45 sellers, which can improve to 60 by September, 75 by yr finish and 150 for subsequent yr.
“With the assistance of C3 and e-C3, we’re already masking 60% of the market. After the launch of C3 SUV it could attain near 90%,” he mentioned.