Citroën India: Pivoting to Made-to-Order production with new Aircross X and C3

Since last summer, Citroën has injected a new dynamic into its presence in the Indian market. Driven by the global strategy named "Shift to the New," the brand is doing more than just refreshing its lineup with X variants. It is taking a decisive step by offering new products combined with a made-to-order manufacturing model. This modern approach aims to precisely align industrial supply with actual customer demand, breaking away from traditional distribution schemes based on mass inventory.

New offerings for Aircross X and C3: details and pricing

This new strategic phase is being implemented gradually, with a focus on the core models: the Aircross X and the C3. Citroën is introducing variants specifically designed to address feedback from Indian customers, prioritizing comfort and practical technology.

The Aircross X Max Turbo in a 5-seater configuration perfectly illustrates this commitment to modularity. Unlike the 7-seater version which focuses on passenger capacity, this version prioritizes cabin living space. Rear passengers benefit from 60 mm of extra knee room, a substantial gain that enhances the travel experience. Comfort is further improved by a rear central armrest with cup holders and seats that recline in three positions. Available in Polar White, Deep Forest Green, and Pearl Black, this model is priced at 12.41 lakh rupees, approximately €13,520.

At the same time, the versatile city car is enriched with the C3 Live (O) trim. Positioned as an affordable yet value-driven version, it offers more than ten major technology and comfort features. These include a 10.1-inch touchscreen compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, leatherette seats, a rearview camera, and fog lights with chrome inserts. Offered exclusively in Perla Nera Black to emphasize its character, it is marketed at 5.49 lakh rupees, or about €5,985. These competitive prices, combined with improved equipment, ideally position Citroën against fierce local competition.

An industrial revolution: Made-to-Order manufacturing

Citroën's new strategy in India is gaining significant momentum with the launch of these two variants, as they inaugurate a major shift in the industrial paradigm: made-to-order production. The goal is clear: to direct production exclusively toward confirmed customer needs rather than building up stock at dealerships.

This agile model relies on a continuous loop of listening and learning. By combining retail sales data, digital trends, and direct feedback from the dealer network, Citroën can adjust its production capacity in real-time. This governance allows for rapid decision-making and better alignment with the Indian market's fluctuating demand. For the customer, the benefits are numerous. There is total transparency regarding delivery times, which are communicated at the time of booking, and increased flexibility in choosing variants as production adapts immediately to current preferences.

By avoiding capital being tied up in stagnant inventory, the brand optimizes its financial resources, suggesting the rollout of this mechanism to other models in the range in the coming months. Kumar Priyesh, Brand Director at Stellantis India, confirms that the Aircross X and C3 are just the first examples of a broader approach aimed at maximizing value for the end user.

A methodical transformation of the Indian market

Citroën continues its transformation in India by applying its new strategy step by step. By expanding its range with versions like the Aircross X, the brand demonstrates its ability to listen to the market. This model follows a principle similar to the European C3 Aircross, offering a 5-seater version with immense interior space on one hand and a 7-seater version for large families on the other. This progressive deployment, supported by an agile industrial model and a relevant technological offering, confirms that Citroën is establishing itself as a key player in one of the world's most dynamic automotive markets.