French car maker Citroen to open first dealership showroom in Ahmedabad on Feb 1

The wait is over. Citroen, the French automobile manufacturer is coming to India soon. It is ready to take on the Indian market with its first retail showroom in the country. The new dealership is located on the Sarkhej – Gandhinagar Highway in Ahmedabad. The dealership has been readied ahead of the unveiling of the brand’s first model for the Indian market.

The first dealership in India is spread across 4,000 square feet. The display area will be supplemented by a test drive fleet and an after-sales workshop. The facade of the dealership features a giant screen to attract passers-by. The interior of the dealership will feature a natural wood finish and colourful inscriptions. In addition, the facility will also marry the sense of physical touch with modern digital technology for an immersive experience.

Citroen India will unveil its first product — Citroen C5 Aircross SUV on February 1, 2020. The SUV will be launched in the first quarter of 2021. The Citroen C5 Aircross will be a rival to the Hyundai Tucson, Jeep Compass, Tata Harrier and the MG Hector. However, the C5 Aircross will be a model which will be locally assembled rather than manufactured. This means that it is likely to draw a premium pricing. Subsequently, a new Citroen model will be introduced in the Indian market every year till 2023.

These models are confirmed to be manufactured in India with heavily localised manufacturing. Though Citroen will introduce the brand with the C5 Aircross, but will begin introducing more volume products in the B and C segment soon after.

The Ahmedabad dealership is the first of 10 touch points Citroen plans to open in the Indian market. The brand will target major cities in India with this “Phygital” format with further expansion plans in the second phase.

Citroen was founded in March 1919 by industrialist André-Gustave Citroën, and has been part of Stellantis since.