Peugeot Citroen To Re-enter India With New Cars

Published: Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 17:16 [IST]

Peugeot and Citroen, the French automakers are planning to re-enter the Indian car market by launching a new premium sedan that will compete against the Volkswagen Passat. The company then intends to launch new models in lower segments. The carmakers appear to be following Volkswagen's path. The German carmaker had also launched a premium sedan before launching its lower models such as the polo and Vento.

Peugeot will start its operations in India by launching the 508 premium sedan in 2012. The 508 is expected to be priced between Rs.20 lakhs and Rs.25 lakhs and it will be competing against the Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Nissan Teana and the Skoda Superb.

Peugeot wants to enter the premium car segment first and establish its brand image before launching its smaller cars and hatchbacks. It is also considering to launch premium hatchbacks in India which is the fastest growing car segment here.

Peugeot competes with Volkswagen in Europe and the same competition will continue in India. Peugeot and its sub brand Citroen are looking at establishing a manufacturing plant in India. Tamil Nadu, Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are being considered as possible locations for the plant.

The premium hatchbacks being considered for India are the 207, 206 and the 107. Citroen also produces similar models that will also make their way in to India.

One French carmaker that has already made its presence felt in India is Renault. After its failed joint venture with Mahindra in which it built the Logan, low cost sedan, Renault is now working as an independent carmaker and has already launched the Fluence premium sedan.

Article Published On: Tuesday, August 30, 2011, 17:16 [IST]

Read more on: #new car #auto news #peugeot #citroen

More from DriveSpark