The Hindu Business Line : GM India to roll out 3 new models

The three cars include the premium hatchback Aveo U-VA (which would be positioned against the Hyundai Getz and Suzuki Swift), the mid-size sedan Aveo and sportsback Optra SRV.

Company officials said the new cars (all of which would be sold under the Chevrolet badge) will be launched in the market between February and June 2006 and the pricing of the vehicles would be revealed subsequently.

Auto analysts, however, expect the Aveo U-VA to be priced in the range of Rs 3.8-4.2 lakh while the Aveo would be priced at Rs 6.5-7 lakh.

Engine capacities: Though declining to divulge exact details about the engine capacities of the vehicles, Mr Rajeev Chaba, President and Managing Director, General Motors India, said the new cars would carry petrol engine with displacements varying between 1.4 and 1.8 litre.

Sources however said that while the Aveo U-VA would have an engine displacement of 1.4 litre, the Aveo would carry a 1.6 litre engine. Further, while the Aveo would have a localisation content of 60 per cent, it would be around 45 per cent for the Optra.

"All three cars are international products with latest technology. The Chevrolet Aveo sedan is due for launch in Europe this month and subsequently in China, the US, Canada and other markets like India," Mr Chaba said.

The Aveo sedan is expected to replace the Opel Corsa in India. General Motors is currently selling around 400-500 units of the Corsa (inclusive of the Corsa Sail) every month.

All cars under `Chevrolet': Following the expected phasing out of the Corsa, all vehicles sold by General Motors would be under the Chevrolet badge.

"The Chevrolet was among the fastest growing car brands in India and would push up the company's sales on a higher trajectory. We are also actively working on ensuring adequate parts availability for the vehicles," Mr Chaba said.

The company is opening two additional parts distribution centre, one each in Maharashtra and Delhi, to complement the existing ones at Halol and Chennai.

Expansion: General Motors is also expanding capacity at its Halol plant in Gujarat from 60,000 units to 85,000 units with an investment of Rs 100 crore. When asked whether the company was considering to set up another greenfield plant in the country, Mr Chaba said all alternatives were being studied and no decision had been taken on the same.

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