In a recent media interaction, Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares outlined the strategic importance of India for the group. In addition to this, he shared his vision to evolve the company’s operations. The evolved operations will be a part of Stellantis’ Dare Forward 2030 global strategic plan.
Furthermore, the CEO emphasised India’s importance as a key growth market and strategic sourcing hub. Stellantis’ long-term commitment aligns with Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan and the Indian Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The merged companies that formed Stellantis have invested over EUR 1 billion since 2015. The investment is to develop a sustainable footprint in the country and also grow its brands. Furthermore, this is in line with the Indian Government’s plan to develop the auto industry. The plan falls under the ‘Make in India’ initiative under the leadership of India’s Prime Minister.
India is already a major sourcing hub for components, vehicles and mobility technologies. Additionally, India also hosts the heart of Stellantis ICT while strongly contributing to global software development. The company said Stellantis India, with its talent base and demonstrated R&D and engineering expertise, is at the core of Stellantis.
Stellantis is committing to growing and strengthening its presence in India. The company says it wants to make the country a key pillar under the Dare Forward 2030 plan. Currently, Stellantis operates three manufacturing plants – Ranjangaon, Hosur and Thiruvallur. The company also has an ICT Hub in Hyderabad, a software centre in Bengaluru and two R&D centres in Pune and Chennai.
The manufacturing and R&D bases already produce and export components and vehicles for markets outside India. Stellantis aims to make them the source for engines, gearboxes, and components for other global markets.
Stellantis takes the ‘Make in India’ initiative seriously. India is the only country apart from North America to locally produce four Jeep models (Wrangler, Compass, Meridian and Grand Cherokee). And in the case of Citroen, India is the only country apart from France to locally produce the C5 Aircross.
In 2022, Stellantis wants to expand its product portfolio further. Hence, the company will launch the new Jeep Meridian, Jeep Grand Cherokee and the new Citroen C3. The Citroen C3 is a hatchback designed, developed and manufactured in India for India and export markets. These new models will firm up the foundation for growth and build awareness of the models that Stellantis is bringing to India. Stellantis also wants to develop its Indian supplier base further to conform to global quality standards. Thus, increasing India’s global competitiveness in the automotive ecosystem.
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