Stellantis is eager to expand its presence in India and believes it will form an important part of its Dare Forward 2030 strategic plan.

The car manufacturer currently operates three manufacturing plants, an ICT Hub, a software center, and two research and development centers in India. Key to Stellantis’ plans to grow in India is its locally-developed smart car platform program that will allow it to launch a host of vehicles smaller than four meters in length and taxed at lower rates in the country.

Speaking about the company’s ambitions for India, chief executive Carlos Tavares said he expects revenues in the country to more than double by 2030. Operating margins are also expected to hit double-digits in the coming years.

Read Also: New Low-Cost Citroën Will Do Battle With The Hyundai Venue On Indian Soil

Stellantis has less than a 1 per cent share of the Indian car market but has spent recent years establishing a solid local supply chain to make its small vehicles more affordable. In addition to manufacturing engines and transmissions locally, Stellantis sources more than 90 per cent of its Indian-made vehicles’ contents from the country.

“We are committed to growing and strengthening our presence in India, making this strategic country a key pillar of our global ambition under the Dare Forward 2030 plan,” Tavares said in a recent statement. “I’m proud of our 2,500 employees in India who are working every day to make Stellantis a key contributor, offering clean, safe and affordable mobility solutions for its Indian customers and paving the way for the well-being of the next generation.”

The Jeep Wrangler, Compass, Meridian, and Grand Cherokee are all produced in India, as is the Citroen C5. A new Citroen C3 will also be launched locally in the coming months and it has been designed, developed, and will be manufactured in India.

Speaking to Auto News, Tavares said that ongoing issues in China and Russia present a golden opportunity for India.

“The challenges… are giving India a bigger opportunity, even bigger than in the past,” Tavares said.