The automaker is working towards bringing down product development time from 48 months to around 24 months.
Stellantis India plans to cut the time required to develop new vehicles by nearly half and increase localisation as it prepares to introduce 12 products across its Citroen and Jeep brands under the FaSTLAne 2030 roadmap, Managing Director and CEO Shailesh Hazela has said, according to PTI.
The automaker is working towards bringing down product development time from 48 months to around 24 months, in line with its global ambition.
"Globally, we announced that our ambition is to cut down our development time for bringing new products from 48 months to close to two years, which is around 24 months. That is what we are working on (for) our products, which we are going to launch," Hazela was quoted as saying by PTI in an interview.
Also read: Stellantis Plans 12 New Jeep And Citroën Launches In India By 2030
India Centre To Support Faster Product Development
Stellantis operates a software and technology centre in Bengaluru, which contributes to vehicle development for both its brands and international markets.
"[Our] India engineering centre is part of the four large tech centres in the world. We have the largest tech centre and they develop cars not only for Jeep and Citroen, but for models globally. So they have the same mandate [cut in product development time] which they will be following," he added.
The automaker also has a long-running manufacturing partnership with Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles through a joint venture. The two companies recently signed a definitive agreement to extend their collaboration to advanced technologies and product development.
Under the expanded partnership, they intend to develop vehicles for more than 50 global markets, with manufacturing planned at Fiat India Automobiles Private Limited, their 50:50 joint venture.
More Than 90% Localisation Targeted
Local sourcing is another focus area for Stellantis India as it prepares its next phase of product launches. Citroen currently has a localisation level of 90-95 per cent, while Jeep's localisation stands at around 70-75 per cent, according to Hazela.
Stellantis India has announced an investment of ₹4,000 crore over the next three years to support the rollout of 12 models across Citroen and Jeep, including seven new products. The investment will be directed mainly towards products, localisation and customer experience.
Jeep And Citroen To Add 7 New Models
Jeep currently sells four models in India: the Compass, Wrangler, Meridian and Grand Cherokee. Citroen's Indian portfolio comprises the C3, BasaltX, AircrossX and C5 Aircross.
Under the planned expansion, Jeep will introduce four new models, comprising one SUV each in the B, C and D segments, along with a D-segment pickup.
Citroen's planned additions include three models: a C-segment SUV, a D-segment MPV and an A-segment car.
