Stellantis (NYSE:) CEO, Carlos Tavares, outlined the company’s plans to introduce a compact Citroen EV in India by 2023. Tavares revealed in his roadmap for India that there’s a whole host of models in the pipeline.

“From day one, electrification was part of the Smart Car or C Cubed plans. India will receive its first electric vehicle in 2023. India designed the vehicle. We are not only going to bring compact cars less than 4 metres, you will have people movers to crossover products in India and (for) all these products, EVs will be an alternative offered,” said Tavares.

Stellantis has an already small presence in India selling Citroen and Jeep brands. However, sales in the country only make up a fraction of the automaker’s global sales. Tavares indicated that the automaker expects national revenues to surpass double by 2030. Additionally, operating profit margins will be double-digits in the coming years.

Indian automakers have been struggling for many years to make it big in India. In an industry dominated by Hyundai and Suzuki vehicles, it is important to try and make an impression. Tavares stated that India can be profitable if things are done the India way.

He said that this involves sourcing parts locally, vertically integrating supply chains to lower costs, and building cars in India with the features Indian customers want and can afford.

Tavares stated that India is facing greater challenges than ever before.

By Michael Elkins