Four weeks after PAIPL (PCA Automobiles India Pvt Ltd),, the Indian affiliate of Citroen India, signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Kamarajar Port Ltd (KPL) to commence its export programme from India, the carmaker has begun shipping its cars to overseas markets as completely built units (CBUs).

On March 31, 2023, the first batch of made-in-India C3 hatchbacks was exported to ASEAN and Africa from the Kamarajar Port. The flag-off of the export cars was conducted by Ghanshyam Sable, SCM India Head, Stellantis India and Sunil Paliwal IAS, chairman and managing director of Kamarajar Port.

The French carmaker is designing and developing a range of cars and SUVs based on its C Cube platform aimed at emerging markets worldwide. The C3 hatchback (and its eC3 EV derivative) is the first of three cars planned on the platform. Citroen India started retailing the C3 in July 2022. The kicking off of exports is aimed at building economies of scale and ensure profitable operations.

Kamarajar Port (erstwhile Ennore Port) is located on India’s east coast and lies about 24km north of Chennai Port. It is amongst the fastest growing seaports in India and has developed specialised facilities for automakers. It can handle the world's largest car carrier which can carry 8,000 cars while the port’s car parking yard can accommodate 14,000 cars, making it the largest such facility in any Indian port.

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