French car maker Peugeot is all to make a comeback to India. Speaking to Autocar India magazine at the Paris Motor Show, Peugeot chief executive Carlos Tavares said, “Yes, we are seriously looking at coming back. In fact, I can tell you we will come back to India in the next two or three years. Right now it is only a matter of finding the right partner.” Rumours of the small-car maker’s return have been circulating for some time now, and there were reports about its talk of tie-ups as well.
It is known that Peugeot had made an earlier attempt to partner with Tata Motors but talks did nort lead to anything concrete. The car maker had earlier opened an office in Mumbai and had shortlisted land in Gujarat to set up a plant in 2011. However, financial difficulties led to the plans being shelved.
The company’s first tie up India was back in the earlier 90s when they formed a joint venture with Premier Autombiles Limited. (PAL). The PAL Peugeot partnership introduced the 309 in the Indian market. The car was engineered for African roads so it made a good case for itself for India.The tough suspension along with a 1.5 litre diesel engine made for a perfect combination. Peugeot however exited the partnership suddenly in 1997 leaving many 309 owners struggling for parts and service.
Keeping bad memories behind, Peugeot should look at getting models that would strike a chord with the Indian buyer, a hatch or a mid size sedan to start with.
