Thaindian News

New Delhi, Jan 5 (IANS) French car maker Peugeot Thursday said it plans to roll out locally assembled units of its various models in the Indian market by 2014.

“We will start with completely built units (CBUs) next year and then follow it up with Peugeot 508, which will be locally assembled and then go to different segments, starting from C-segment (sedan) and then later B-segment,” PCA Motors India managing director Frederic Fabre told reporters at the 11th Auto Expo here.

Peugeot 508 is a large family car, and Fabre said that depending on the demand for it the company could also import the 508 model before local assembling begins in India.

Peugeot was present in India through a joint venture with Premier Automobiles nearly a decade ago. The venture was wound up in 2001.

Among the cars the company showcased at the expo were — Peugeot 508, Peugeot 3008, Peugeot 3008 Hybrid and its concept RCZ Sports Coupe.

Asked if the company planned to bring in small cars to the Indian market to cater to the huge demand, Fabre said Peugeot will first look at introducing its higher models as per its “top down” approach.

The company plans to expand its distribution footprint to all major cities.

“During the initial stage, we plan to be present in the main cities of India,” Fabre said, adding that at least 100 cities should be targeted.

Peugeot had entered into an agreement with the Gujarat government last year, to set up a manufacturing facility with an investment of Rs.4,000 crore in Sanand. The facility will have a capacity of 170,000 units.