Citroën India

The launch of the Citroën brand in India was the third attempt by Groupe PSA to enter the Indian market.^[1] During the presentation of FY18 results of Groupe PSA, the chairman confirmed that Citroën was the chosen brand to enter the Indian markets.^[2]

Groupe PSA had signed two joint ventures with companies of India's CK Birla Group for vehicle assembly, distribution and powertrain manufacturing of its cars in the country.^[3] The French carmaker was initially supposed to enter the Indian market in 2020. However, the plan was delayed amidst the COVID-19 pandemic and the subsequent lockdown.^[4]

Prior to launching the India-spec C5 Aircross SUV, Citroën India's research revealed that comfort is the critical criteria for new car buyers in India.^[5] Production of the C5 Aircross started in January 2021^[6] at the Tiruvallur plant in Tamil Nadu. Groupe PSA made an investment of around Rs.2500 crore to enter the Indian market.^[7]

Citroën India is developing several models specifically for the Indian market, including EVs. The C5 Aircross was unveiled on 1 February 2021 and launched on 7 April 2021 in two variants: Feel and Shine, with single and dual tone interiors, equipped with a 2.0-litre diesel engine. According to reports, subsequent cars will not support a diesel engine.^[8]

Citroën India revealed the C3 in September 2021 ahead of its India launch in the first half of 2022.^[9] The C3 was the first of three models under Citroën's C-cubed program, and was specifically developed for emerging markets like India and South America. The C3 is locally manufactured in India with more than 90 percent localisation.^[10]

In February 2023, Citroën India launched an electric variant of C3 under the name Ë-C3. The car was launched about 6 months after the C3's launch. Its stated range is 320 kilometres (200 mi) per charge.^[11]

Model		Indian introduction	Current model
			Introduction (model code)	Update (facelift)
Hatchback
	C3	2022	2022	–
	ë-C3	2023	2023	–
SUV/crossover
	Basalt	2024	2024	–
	C3 Aircross	2023	2023	–
	C5 Aircross	2021	2021	2022