New investments, new products in the works to change India position: Shailesh Hazela, MD & CEO, Stellantis India

New investments, new products in the works to change India position: Shailesh Hazela, MD & CEO, Stellantis India

Stellantis, a multinational automotive manufaturer, headquartered in the Netherlands,  ended 2024 with revenues of €156.9 billion and achieved a volume-based ranking of fifth at the global scale.

Its India story is far less noteworthy. Its FY25 market share closed at 0.08 percent, with volumes of little under 4,000 units. With 14 brands, including Jeep, Citroen, Fiat, and Peugeot, the company is trying to script a change in India.

In an exclusive interview to Moneycontrol, Shailesh Hazela, MD and CEO, Stellantis India said that the foundation of its operations, such as establishment of a local engineering centre, strengthening of vendor partners and understanding the consumer, is firmed up. He shared plans for the Indian market, which includes new products and new investments.

Stellantis is a significantly large player outside of India. But in India it does not have even 1 percent share. How will you change this?

In October, we reversed that trend and started to gain market share through launches in Citroen. India is a market that everybody understands but it is not easy to go with a target and get it done. The foundation is set, which includes engineering, manufacturing, supply chain and products.

Do we see fresh new investments coming in?

There would be (fresh investments). We will have to continue to bring new products and as soon as those programmes get approved, it will be coupled with investments wherever we need.

Does your product pipeline include a smaller-sized Jeep?

Everything is on the drawing broad right now. Hopefully, we will be able to share more in time to come.

Stellantis has the right for the Ambassador. Have you firmed up any plans for that?

We have a portfolio of 14 brands, out of which 10 have a 100-year legacy. We would like to stabilise operations using them. As Indians, we have a connection and have loved the Ambassador. Right now, it is supposed to be in the locker room.

What is the update about Leapmotor launch?

We are still trying to find out what would work for getting the brand to India. It is the positioning and the price which matters to us. We need to bring the right product at the right cost. Study is continuously on. As soon as we finalise further updates on it, we will share. The intention is definitely there to launch Leapmotor in India.

What expansion plans do you have for Maserati?

Till last year, we were having just one showroom of Maserati in India, which was in Mumbai. In October, we opened a showroom in Delhi and another was opened in Bengaluru. We are also bringing new products under Maserati.

What is the retail reach of the company, at present?

We have 130 sales points for Citroën and 78 for Jeep. We also have close to 75 service centres. There are 50+ Stellantis Brand Houses where we sell Citroen and Jeep both.

What is the plan to expand this?

Our plan is to have 7-8 stores every month across the country. This will take us to 150 touch points by March FY26. Our focus is Tier 2, Tier 3 and Tier 4.  In addition, we are also exploring platforms like used car network, pop-up stores, and showrooms.

What role will the Tech Centre in Bengaluru play?

Some of the stuff that the centre is doing are not today. These projects are designed, keeping in mind the consumer requirement five years down the line. This would be the centre of excellence for digital hub and continue to improve skills and resources.