As part of the company’s Dare Forward 2030 global strategic plan, Carlos Tavares, CEO, Stellantis N V, outlined India’s strategic importance for the company and his vision to evolve its operations.
The company’s ambition includes developing its Indian supplier base to conform to global quality standards and increasing India’s global competitiveness in the automotive ecosystem.
Additionally, the manufacturing and R&D bases that are already producing and exporting components and vehicles for markets outside India will increasingly become the source for engines, gearboxes, and components for other global markets, an official statement from the company noted.
Tavares said, “We are committed to growing and strengthening our presence in India, making this strategic country a key pillar of our global ambition under the Dare Forward 2030 plan.”
The company said India is a major sourcing hub for vehicles, components and mobility technologies and hosts the heart of Stellantis ICT while strongly contributing to the global software development.
Stellantis operates three manufacturing plants in India, including Ranjangaon, Hosur, and Thiruvallur. Besides, it has an ICT Hub in Hyderabad, a Software Centre in Bengaluru and two R&D centres in Chennai and Pune.
The Digital Hub in India has grown into one of the largest in-house ICT and digital organisations within Stellantis, the release added.
Further, the company’s ‘Make in India’ offensive is ongoing, with India being the only country to locally produce four Jeep nameplates outside North America (Wrangler, Compass, Meridian and Grand Cherokee) and the Citroën C5 Aircross outside France.
It noted that in 2022, India will see the new launches of the Jeep Meridian, the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the New Citroën C3, which is designed, developed and manufactured in India for India and export markets.
With these products, it aims to firm up the foundation for growth and build awareness of the models that Stellantis is bringing to India.
The carmaker has claimed to have invested over €1 billion since 2015 to develop a sustainable footprint in the country and grow its brands.