The new generation of the Citroen C3, which is not yet offered in Europe, has won the World City Car of the Year award for 2023. It is the Indian and South American version. The new European C3 will be presented at the end of this year, and according to local media, the electric version of that model will be assembled in Kragujevac, Serbia.
Shareholders of Fiat-Chrysler (FCA) voted in January 2021 to merge with the French group Peugeot-Citroen-Opel (PSA), creating the fourth largest car company in the world. Under its wing, it was said at the time, it will have more than 10 brands, including Fiat, Jeep, Alfa Romeo, Dodge, Maserati, Chrysler, Lancia, Abarth, Peugeot, Citroen, Opel and other commercial brands.
During 2022, Citroen launched the new generation C3 (code CC21) in India and South America. Designed specifically for these markets, this raised city car is already enjoying commercial success there, writes Autorepublika.rs.
In India, nearly 7,000 units were sold in the second half of 2022, allowing the brand to grow its annual sales nearly ninefold in the country. On the other side of the Atlantic, 14,000 units have found buyers since it went on sale last October. The company’s sales increased by 21.2 percent in this region last year.
European model C3
And for Europe, Citroen is preparing a new C3, but it will be significantly different from its false twin of Indian origin. Its platform, engines and safety equipment will be different to meet European standards. This will be especially true for its e-C3 electric variant, which will be more efficient than the Indian model of the same name. According to sources, “our” next C3 will partially adopt the silhouette and adventurous look of the international C3, but will differ from it by adopting certain styling codes introduced in the Oli concept.
Its thermal versions will be produced in Slovakia, while the electric version will be assembled in Serbia.
The presentation of the car is expected at the end of autumn 2023, and sales will start in the first quarter of 2024.
Citroën points out that the Indian-American C3 is “the first model of a family of three vehicles of international character, developed and produced locally.” The chevron-branded manufacturer claims there is a “strategy aimed at increasing the brand’s global reach and reducing dependence on Europe”.
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