Peugeot begins testing its cars in India

• Published On: 6 June 2017
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The company’s 3008 and 2008 crossovers, and the 208 hatchback were spotted testing on Indian roads.

PSA Group announced a tie-up with the CK Birla Group at the start of the year and followed it up by purchasing the Ambassador brand. The company has already begun testing three of its Cars Here in India - the 3008 and the 2008 crossovers and the 208 hatch.

The 208 hatch is based on the PSA PF1 platform, but a new-gen car is due next year and will be based on the new, small CMP platform. It is powered by petrol and diesel engines with capacities ranging from 1.0 litre to 1.6 litre.

The 2008 crossover is also based on the PSA PF1 platform and the new version of this car is also due, based on the company's larger EMP2 platform. Engine capacities range from 1.2 litre to 1.6 litre and it’s available as a petrol and a diesel.

The 3008 is the newest here, it’s the second generation of the car and it was unveiled only last year. This car took home the European car of the year award for 2017. It is powered by both petrol and diesel engines in capacities ranging from 1.2 to 2.0 litre.

The French carmaker has formed a new 'India-Pacific' business zone with India, SAARC countries, Japan, Korea, Australia and New Zealand. The company intends to beef up its India factory to handle the new platforms for export to regional markets as well.

Back in 2011, Peugeot tried to enter India independently, and the company even started testing its cars here, but, financial trouble at the parent group put the entire project on hold. Now, however, the company has sorted out its financial footing, it has worked out a manufacturing and distribution tie-up, and its new-generation cars around the corner. So, what remains to be seen is the choice of models to be introduced.