Citroën India Launches Basalt X, Aims for 150-Dealer Network Under 2.0 Strategy

Mumbai, 5th September 2025: Citroën India has initiated its 2.0 strategy with the launch of the Basalt X SUV, unveiling CARA, the first intelligent in-car assistant in the country. Simultaneously, the company announced an ambitious plan to increase its sales and service network to 150 dealerships across the country by the end of 2025.

This dual approach highlights Stellantis-owned Citroën’s commitment to increasing its presence in India, where it sold only 7,500 units last year. The Basalt X adds technology-driven features and comfort upgrades to the product lineup, while the dealership expansion targets Tier II, III, and IV markets. The goal is to ensure that customers are no more than 100 km away from a Citroën touchpoint, improving accessibility for both ICE and EVs.

Shailesh Hazela, CEO & Managing Director of Stellantis India, stated that the launch of Citroën India 2.0 is a pivotal moment for the company’s global vision. With the Basalt X, we are pleased to introduce CARA—conceptualized, engineered, and launched in India—as part of our long-term strategy to make mobility more connected and aspirational.”

Kumar Priyesh, Business Head & Director of Automotive Brands at Stellantis India, spoke about the network expansion, explaining that the company hopes to increase throughput for ICE and EV models by broadening customer access. Citroën plans to open new outlets in Tier II, III, and IV markets, ensuring customers are within 100 km of a touchpoint for sales, service, or charging support. He explained that the hub-and-spoke model is intended to increase sales volume, improve after-sales efficiency, and boost customer confidence in newer technologies like EVs.

 Citroën’s 2.0 strategic plan, launched in August 2025, builds on the previous Network Expansion Programme (NEP) that began in March 2024. While the NEP established a presence in underserved markets, the 2.0 strategy aims to increase market penetration and throughput per outlet by providing a more diverse range of products, digital engagement tools, and bundled service packages. Priyesh emphasised that the denser retail and service network would facilitate customer adoption of Citroën’s EVs, starting with the e-C3, by providing charging and service infrastructure outside of metropolitan areas.

Citroën aims to increase its dealership count from 70 to 150 by 2025. In comparison, Hyundai already operates more than 1,400 outlets, Kia around 500, and MG close to 400 across India. Unlike its competitors, which have relied heavily on dealerships in Tier I cities to promote premium models and EVs, Citroën is betting on a more distributed hub-and-spoke network to build trust in smaller markets. Priyesh noted that this approach would help create loyalty among first-time buyers while gradually expanding its EV ecosystem across different regions.

“The focus for Citroën moving forward is not on quick wins—it’s about sustainable growth built on trust and long-term value. With high localisation, robust after-sales systems, innovative customer engagement strategies, and a keen understanding of evolving market expectations, we are here to grow alongside India and for India,” Priyesh told EV Story.

In addition to its ICE lineup, Citroën is positioning itself as a forerunner in electric mobility. The e-C3, launched in 2023, is designed for urban commuting with a certified range of 320 km and fast-charging capabilities. While it is relatively basic compared to competitors, the model reflects Citroën’s objective to create an affordable, city-oriented EV platform that complements its broader strategy for balancing scale, accessibility, and innovation under the 2.0 roadmap.

Citroën is committed to achieving 98% localisation and maintaining a steady pipeline of refreshed models, including updates to the C3, Aircross, and Basalt Coupe SUV. Stellantis’ ₹11,000 crore investment in India supports this. With a current market share of only 0.25%, the company hopes to reach 2% by 2025, confident that product upgrades and an expanded retail footprint will help it expand beyond its nascent base. Citroën’s India 2.0 plan aims to align global standards with local needs, creating a sustainable growth narrative in a highly competitive auto market.