Peugeot Citroen, the French car maker who is all set to mark its debut in the Indian market very soon, seems to have decided to adopt a top down strategy in the Indian market, same as previously successfully adopted by the likes of Volkswagen and Toyota. The company plans to initially strengthen its position in the premium sedan segment where it will be competing with the Volkswagen’s popular sedans like Jetta and Passat.
Peugeot is not new to the Indian market as the company was operating in the country about a decade back, followed by an exit due to continuous losses. The first Passat model that will be hitting the Indian roads will be a premium sedan - Peugeot 508. The car is expected to be shelved in the price segment of Rs 20 to 25 lakh where it will be taking on the likes of Volkswagen Passat, Honda Accord, Nisan Teana, and Toyota Camry. The car will be launched in the country by the end of year 2012.
Once established in the premium sedan segment, the company will look forward to enter the lower price segments with new compact products. Going the Volkswagen’s way again, the company will then launch a premium hatchback in the country in the lines of Polo, which will be taking on with the likes of Nissan Micra, Ford Figo, Maruti Swift, etc. The hatchback from the French car maker’s side could include one among Peugeot 107, 206 and 207.
