The biggest French car manufacturer, PSA Peugeot Citroen is all ramped to come back with the launch of the 301. Parting the joint venture the consortium had with the Premier Automobiles Limited, Peugeot sailed back with a disastrous loss in its accounts. Selling only around 1000 units of 309, it was a huge massacre for Peugeot to be in India. Realizing the fact that India and China are the big masses of automobile industry, Peugeot has no other way than coming back to India.
“The fully integrated facility of PPC, the first one in India, will be set up on 584 acres with an investment of Rs 4,000 crore. It will have an initial capacity of 1,65,000 units annually and is expected to be commissioned by end of 2013,†said PSA Peugeot Vice-President of Emerging Market and India, Mr. Fredic Fabre.
“Gujarat offers a proactive business environment, excellent infrastructure and is geographically well positioned to cater to passenger car markets across India. We view India as one of the most important and dynamic markets in the world, with forecasts of it becoming the third largest automotive market by 2020,†added PPC Board Chairman, Mr. Philippe Varin.
At first, Peugeot will be importing sedan, the 301 as completely-built units in the nest year. And by the year 2014, the company will commence its production plant at Sanand, in ahmedabad, in Gujarat which is near to Tata plant. The company expects to produce 1.7 lakh units per annum as it starts in 2014 and plans to double it by 2018.
Peugeot 508, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and its concept RCZ Sports Coupe which were showcased at the 11th Auto Expo 2012 in New Delhi have certainly gained attention to company's comeback.