Test models of the electric Citroen C3 have rolled off the production lines at the Kragujevac car factory and are currently being tested on the streets of Kragujevac and its surrounding areas, as reported by RTS. Production of this new model is expected to begin soon at the factory, which already manufactures the electric Fiat Grande Panda.
The Citroen brand was first produced in the former Yugoslavia in the 1970s. Over five decades later, the French carmaker is making a return to Serbia, with the electric Citroen C3 set to be produced in Kragujevac. This new city car measures four meters in length and features a 310-liter trunk. It offers a range of approximately 320 kilometers on a single charge. The car will be priced around 26,500 euros, but Serbian buyers can benefit from state subsidies of up to 5,000 euros.
Zoran Burić, the marketing director at Avtonova KAB, the exclusive importer of Citroen vehicles, noted that while the exact start date of production is still pending, the process is expected to begin soon. He emphasized that test models have already been completed, and production can begin as soon as the factory management, in cooperation with Stellantis, makes the final decision.
Currently, the Kragujevac factory, in addition to producing the electric Fiat Panda, also manufactures body parts for the Citroen C3, which are sent to Stellantis’ plant in Slovakia for serial production. The union at the factory, led by independent trade union president Ivan Ristić, has expressed excitement about this development. He believes it demonstrates the factory’s capability to produce more models in addition to the Fiat Grand Panda. Ristić also mentioned that efforts are underway to recruit more workers and establish a second shift, leading to an increase in the number of vehicles produced.
Economist Petar Veselinović points out that the growing production of vehicles, including the electric Citroen C3, will have a positive impact on Serbia’s economy. He expects the car’s production and sales to contribute to GDP growth, significantly altering the economic structure of Serbia, particularly in Kragujevac and the surrounding regions. This will also enhance the country’s export performance.
Burić highlighted that the introduction of the electric Citroen C3 will further the development of vehicle electrification in Serbia.
