Stellantis India Calls for Long-Term, Uniform Policies to Boost Auto Growth

Stellantis India CEO Shailesh Chandra Hazela has pointed to the need for long-term policy consistency and uniformity across Indian states before sustainable growth for the automotive sector can be realised.

Speaking on the evolving nature of mobility, Hazela adds that inconsistent EV and taxation policies across different areas are barriers preventing automakers from engaging in planning on the national level. According to Hazela, manufacturers need visibility on stable, multi-year policies to make investments into manufacturing, technology, and clean mobility. Hazela asserted that a standard electric vehicle (EV) policy will allow automakers to take a pan-India approach instead of making them follow a state-by-state format.

Under Stellantis's India plan, Citroën is taking the growth lead and plans to nearly double its dealer network from 80 to 150 outlets in the next 12 months especially in Tier III and Tier IV markets. In addition to its investment in more dealers, the company is working on multiple powertrain offerings including petrol, CNG, and electric to meet different markets.

Also Read: Engineering the Future: AI and Mobility Platforms in Smart Electronics

Stellantis has already invested Rs 3,250 crore in Tamil Nadu, and of that, Rs 2,000 crore went towards its Tiruvallur plant, demonstrating its backing of local manufacturing. Hazela reiterated that predictable and harmonised policies are important if India is going to play a role as a global auto and EV hub in the changing auto ecosystem.