Earlier in September 2011, the Peugeot, the biggest French car manufacturer, signed contract with the Gujarat government to set up its car plant in Sanand. With a lucrative investment plan of 4500 Crores, the company wants to commence it plant with an initial capacity of 1.7 lakh units with an upgrade plan for 3.4 lakh units in the future.
As a part of the deal, the company had shifted its headquarters to Ahmedabad with an aim to roll out their first car in the beginning of 2014. The plant spread across 584 acres in the region was estimated to employ 5,000 people. But in early 2012, Plagued then by the Euro Crisis and falling sales back home during the year 2012 forced the company to give up the land and scrap the SSA.
Almost all major car manufactures are in India now. This market is still dominated by Japanese and Korean players. India is a quite dynamic and price sensitive market.
India is a third largest car market in Asia with 8.6% share in 2013. ACG forecast it would be 15% by 2020. Premium, Budget and Luxury segment will be major growth segments. Market drivers are favourable for Peugeot. Still a lot of potential could be explored by the PSA Group. The object which is at least 50% sale will be done outside Europe can be achieved soon by entering into Indian market considering the Group is already successful in the Chinese marketplace.
As per our study, Sales strategy can be drawn based on key sales areas which are First time buyer, some promotional offer like exchange old vehicles and Export market.
Main drivers for Industry:
Peugeot need to do the proper ground work before entry. Proper work and macro level analysis could make smooth road.
Indian Car market can be classified as low range, Budget, Premium and luxury segments. Peugeot vehicles could fit in this category except low range. But the company has to customize the product as per Indian taste and market demand.
As per our some study, it is noted that many MNC repeats same products in many markets without considering local market dynamics.
Overview of Peugeot group
It is second largest car manufacture in Europe after Volkswagen.
Europe is the biggest market for PSA with 59% share in 2013 and Asia (excluding India) is the second biggest market with 21% share.
China, Latin America and Russia are major markets of the group. India could also be part of this list.
China is the largest market with 26% growth in 2013. The political issues in Russia are at the moment and facing some ban from the European Union and USA put forth a stall in the economy. ACG forecast that it would have a negative impact on car sales.
If Peugeot will start its sales, Peugeot would have 1% sales share of its total group sales. Due to new brand the initial sales will be increased few years.
Cultural Dimension also plays important role in Doing Business. However, most of the dimensions are favourable for business. Language would be issued. Proper intercultural training will help for best business practice.
Product Position
PSA group Top selling Models of 2013:
However Peugeot and Citroën do not overlap but still some work need to do to make it clear differentiate and completely not to overlap.
Some of the product which belongs to Low range in Central Europe, it would have a position in the budget segment in India like Skoda and Volkswagen.
Conclusion:
Many a times, foreign players tend to just launch the product with alliance with some small brand. Followed by some basic advertising campaigns. But this is not enough to build a successful journey in a market like India. Even one small mistake can make the life difficult here.
This article is part of “Market Entry Strategy- Global Markets to India”
“Great Insightful Article, Thumbs Up, Keep up the Good Work”
Rohit Yadav
Manager (Corporate & Fleet Sales)
NISSAN, Gurgaon
PSA Peugeot Citroën has been official confirmed from its Paris Head office to ACG that currently they have no plans to come back into the Indian market. However this could change in future.
Good Artcile! Smart analysis…
Premium CAR manufacturer always have high hands in competing in India market because premium vehicle buyers will not bother to spend extra money on service perceptive however Pupil who buys B car will think lot on Serveability cost compare to brand image.
“Good Informative Article. India is a big market for PSA Peugeot Citroen. They can start Budget and Low Priced Car Production in India.Especially 4008, 207+, DC4, C3 . It will benefit both sides. ”
Sathish S
Electrical and Electronics Engineer
Good article. Missing is the market strategy followed by PSA in other markets. Most of the times, one plays a game that one is comfortable with. Market realities shows that one size does not fit all! Normally a high content of local management can help in reworking generally used strategy.
Sankaran Namboodiri
DGM
Bosch Limited
Good article!!!
ACG has highlighted many points for supporting Peugeot & Citroen.
Taken test trail on middle east, vehicle performance is outstanding
Can be possible to give tough war to all Indian PCV.
Great car, expecting soon.
S.Vijayakumar
Certainly we miss the renowned Peugeot quality & suspension. Lets hope they find a way to get back and people can experience some real cars.
Pradyumna Gupta
Founder at Be International
Yes there is a big market in India, by now Peugeot could have created there own platform by creating infrastructure, marketing strategies, dealer network,proposed product launches initially,identification of key markets places to acquire more market share.
Nagesh
Sireesh Auto