PSA Group's Indian market plans revealed

The PSA Group is looking to enhance its footprint in various emerging automotive markets of the world. India has also been included in the French automaker's plans. It is expected to start operations in the country by 2019. The company has already struck a deal with the CK Birla Group for using its manufacturing facility in Chennai.

According to media reports, the French carmaker has shortlisted three cars to be built for the Indian market. These new products have been internally codenamed as the Smart Car 1, Smart Car 2 and Smart Car 3. Interestingly, none of these cars will be aimed at the country's entry-level segment, which is the largest in terms of sales. Instead, the Smart Car 1 is expected to be a B2 segment hatchback to rival the Maruti Swift, Smart Car 2 would likely be a compact crossover in the Renault Duster & Hyundai Creta price range, while the Smart Car 3 will be a mid-size sedan that is expected to compete against the Maruti Ciaz and Honda City. All these cars will be built on the company's modular CMP platform. The first of these cars could go on sale in 2020.

It is also being reported that the PSA Group has partnered with Tata Technologies and Tata Consultancy Services, which will now be taking care of the engineering development and sourcing support for its cars in India. The PSA Group is also planning to launch these cars in other emerging markets such as Latin America, Iran and ASEAN countries.

Source: Economic Times