Four weeks after Citroen India signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Kamarajar Port in Chennai to commence its export programme, the carmaker has begun shipping its cars to overseas markets as completely built units (CBUs).
- C3 will be exported to South-East Asian and African markets
- Winner of the 2023 World Urban car of the year
India-made Citroen C3 export
On March 31, 2023, the first batch of made-in-India C3 hatchbacks was exported to ASEAN and Africa markets from the Kamarajar Port. The 10 ASEAN countries include Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, Cambodia, Singapore and Malaysia.
The French carmaker is designing and developing a range of cars and SUVs based on its C Cube platform aimed at emerging markets worldwide. The C3 hatchback (and its eC3 EV derivative) is the first of three cars planned on the platform. Citroen India started retailing the C3 in July 2022. With the commencement of exports, the company aims to build its brand and ensure profitable operations.
Kamarajar Port has developed specialised facilities for automakers, and companies such as Renault, Nissan, Toyota, Maruti Suzuki and Isuzu Motors carry out export operations from here.
Citroen C3 is the 2023 World Urban Car of the Year
At the recent World Car Awards, the Citroen C3 was crowned the World Urban Car of the Year. The Citroen C3, is a version based on the CMP platform – the car sold in India – and not the PF1 platform-based European model. This award category is only open for vehicles below 4.25 metres in length and must be sold in at least two major global markets. Speaking on the award, Citroen CEO Thierry Koskas said, "In addition to the commercial success of this model, it recognises the relevance of our growth strategy in India, Asia and South America.”
The Citroen C3 is priced from Rs 7.02 lakh to 9.35 lakh and rivals the likes of the Tata Punch and the upcoming Hyundai Ai3. Its electric version, the eC3, is priced from Rs 13.34 lakh-14.06 lakh.
Citroen is launching the new C3 Aircross midsize SUV on April 27 and it's expected to rival the likes of the Hyundai Creta in the SUV market.
If you had to pick a subcompact SUV between the French Citroen C3, the Korean Hyundai Ai3 or the Indian Tata Punch, which would you choose and why?
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Viraaj Bhatnagar
Uday Singh
Suraj Viswanathan
