Caterham has established the next rung in its global growth strategy by launching an Indian subsidiary – with the announcement of the latter timed to coincide with this weekend’s Grand Prix at the Buddh International Circuit on the outskirts of New Delhi.
The Indian offshoot will be responsible not only for distributing the ultra-light sportscars in the world’s second most populous nation, it will also locally assemble the Seven and initiate regional racing and track days.
The company’s PR blurb states: “Caterham Cars India will be focused on establishing the brand in anticipation of new products currently in development by Caterham Technology and Innovation (CTI), the engineering division recently created following the acquisition of Caterham Cars by Tony Fernandes
Caterham claims it’s developing an all-new range of accessible and affordable sportscars inspired by the lightweight, minimalist philosophy of the Seven, yet also embodying the technical nous gained from the Group’s Team Lotus Formula One operations (not to be confused with Lotus-Renault, which is the F1 division of the company that makes Lotus road cars).
Caterham Cars India has also already ordered a demonstrator version of the new SP/300.R sports prototype racing car, to help generate local buyer interest, while Team Lotus reserve driver Karun Chandhok will serve as a brand ambassador for the marque.
The announcement of Caterham Cars India follows the launch of the brand in China in July and it comes with the backing of Gaurav and Mohit Burman, who spearhead the Dabur Group, a major Indian consumer healthcare and food products company.
Local operations will be led by British sportscar racer, Matt Cummings.
Cummings stated: “One of the most exciting phases of our operation will be a fully Indian-assembled Seven, making Caterham the only road, race and track car assembled in India.”
Caterham’s driving experience and grassroots motorsport series, the Caterham Academy, will begin operating in India next year.
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