PSA's new EV to resurrect the Ambassador moniker - Report

01/04/2019 - 12:22 Ambassador, Citroen Yatharth Chauhan

CarandBike reports that PSA Group India intends to use the Ambassador moniker for its range of new India-spec electric vehicles.

Modified Hindusan Ambassador Front Three Quarters — PSA Group India acquired the Ambassador brand from the defunct Hindustan Motors in February 2017. The iconic brand was bought for INR 80 crore.

Reportedly, the Ambassador range of EVs from the company would debut only after 2022 and might even retail through an exclusive dealership network. That said, it's being told that the after-sales network for the Citroen and Ambassador models will be the same. It's even being reported that the company plans to introduce the EV range with a compact SUV or a crossover, which will be followed by a premium hatchback. Both these models would share the underpinnings to benefit from the economies of scale.

Allegedly, the Ambassador range of vehicles could be even sold in the Commonwealth states, which are also mostly right-hand-drive markets. It is being said that the company has started conducting feasibility studies on the export potential of the new range of vehicles.

The powertrain for the first few vehicles in the Ambassador lineup could come from the DS3 Crossback E-Tense, which is powered by a 100KW (134 PS) electric motor that gets its juice from a 50kWh battery pack located under the floor. The premium EV is capable of sprinting from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.7 seconds and have a driving range of 320 km under the WLTP cycle.

Citroen C5 Aircross white front three quarters — It is speculated that the PSA Group India will commence its second innings in India with the Citroen C5 Aircross.

Also See: Citroen C5 Aircross spied in India for the first time

PSA Group acquired the rights to the Ambassador moniker for INR 80 crore from the Hindustan Motors in February 2017. Back then, the company had announced-

Ambassador has been an iconic brand and a surplus asset with us. We were looking for a suitable opportunity and found the right buyer in the PSA group. We intend to use the proceeds from the sale in clearing dues of employees, lenders and others.

[Source: auto.ndtv.com]