The
new C3 is a modern hatchback designed to meet the needs and road conditions of
the two regions, offering comfort and connectivity to progressive customers in
search of peace of mind and prestige.
The
new C3 adapts to the terrain by drawing inspiration from SUVs for its ground
clearance, high bonnet and elevated driver position. The interiors also been
carefully designed in terms of comfort. In addition to Citroën’s trademark
comfort and market-leading spaciousness, its clever design makes everyday life
easier, particularly with the integration of smartphones, connected to an XXL
10” touchscreen.
“Ensuring Citroën’s
future requires a greater international presence, by becoming stronger in all
the markets in which we operate, including South America, the Middle East,
Africa, Asia and China, and by opening up to others, including India, which
will soon become the third-largest market in the world. We are rolling out an ambitious product plan
in order to achieve this, which will see the launch of three
internationally-oriented models in three years. Models designed, developed and
produced in strategic regions and which will fully represent Citroën’s identity
in terms of style and on-board peace of mind. New C3 is a vital part of this
international ramp-up and the first stage of the growth strategy. This
hatchback, less than 4m long, is aimed at a major segment in India and South
America. Modern, connected and tailored to local uses, it is perfectly placed
to support Citroën’s growth,” noted Vincent Cobée, Citroën CEO.
To
meet market demand in India, Citroën has chosen to adapt its usual design and
production process by entrusting part of the style and development convergence
phase to the teams in each region, in order to create a unique and bespoke
vehicle. Incorporating knowledge of the Indian society, culture and needs makes
the new C3 a model designed, developed and produced in and for India.
The
new C3 is the first model from the “C Cubed” programme launched in 2019 – a
family that plans to launch three vehicles with an international focus by 2024,
based on three key criteria: the creation of a competitive, market-leading
offering, with a strong style, a Citroën experience designed for on-board
comfort, and benefiting from a design tailored to the specific needs of its
intended countries.
These
future Citroëns will be produced in the relevant regions with a very high level
of local integration, reflecting the company’s commitment in these countries and a strategy
aimed at controlling costs in order to offer models faithful to the mainstream
positioning of the brand: modern, high-quality vehicles with attractive styling
and prestigious equipment, as well as a carefully researched overall purchase
and running cost.
“The C3 is a very crucial part of our India
growth journey and will be the backbone of our local development strategy. This
car fits right into the heart of the Indian market where 70% of the demand for sub-4 metre cars and 50% of customers are
first-time buyers. This segment has been growing rapidly and C3 will fit right
in with its affordability and attractiveness. Our teams in India and Paris have
collaborated and developed this car with over 90% localisation,” said Roland
Bouchara - CEO and MD for Stellantis in India.
“Our
ecosystem here includes a strong supplier base that enables right product
positioning with high quality standards. We will be leveraging our R&D
Centre in Chennai, Vehicle Assembly Plant at Thiruvallur and the Powertrain
Plant at Hosur in the state of Tamil Nadu, in India to further boost
localisation efforts. We have also built a world-class purchasing hub that we
will leverage for ensuring uninterrupted part supplies and affordability. As we
enter the mainstream segments, our network will expand for customers to
experience the phygital La Maison Citroën showrooms and L’Atelier workshops in
more and more cities,” he added.
“The
C3 is being introduced in a B-segment, which is highly competitive in India but
has the potential to expand and grow further. It was important for us to stand
out in this segment and create a differentiated and an aspirational car. This
segment is seeing a lot of young buyers who want a sub-4 metre car, which is an
extension of their personality,” pointed out Saurabh Vatsa - Citroën Brand
Head, India
“The
C3 is positioned in that sweet spot and will appeal to the young generation of
customers in India, who are looking for differentiated experiences. The C3 will
appeal to car buyers who want the best in their life, in a balanced way, who
like to enjoy life, while following new styles and fashions. These customers
are fashionable, innovative and want their car to reflect their personality.
This is where our customization strategy will play a big role – making a fashion
statement to attract people who like to be stylish,” he added.
India
is a new market for Citroën and one with significant potential that will soon
be the third largest in the world. The brand announced its arrival in 2019 and
launched its first import model at the start of 2021: C5 Aircross. Citroën
products will be positioned at the forefront of the Indian market, thanks to a
strategy of high-level local integration (more than 90%) based on the two joint
venture agreements between the Stellantis Group and the CK Birla Group (car
assembly and distribution and power-train manufacturing).
The
automotive market in India is growing rapidly and is expected to reach over
four million cars sold annually by 2025. B-segment hatchbacks represent nearly
23% of this market.