GM India To Launch SAIC Models By 2012

The joint venture company between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) has launched cars in Chinese market last year. According to the latest reports, GM India will launch completely Indianised version of SAIC vehicles in local market by 2012. The new Diesel Beat is scheduled for launch in July 25. During the preview of this car in Goa, the MD and head of the company, Karl Slym spoke about the new car as well as their plans for the upcoming 18 months.

According to him, they plan to launch around 5 more models in different fuel options within the upcoming 18 months, of which, some are segment defining models. They also plan to introduce two new products with SAIC, their JV partner by 2012, beginning with LCVs.

These models will be sold through their existing dealer outlets in India. Currently they have more than 240 sales showrooms, which they plan to expand to about 300 outlets this year.

Mr. Karl said that new Chevrolet Beat Diesel is being manufactured at the Talegaon facility and India will be the only country that will produce the diesel version of Chevrolet Beat. The basic foundation of this 1 litre engine is General Motors’ 1.3 Litre 4 cylinder SDE variant, which has been through the well-known Bangalore Technical Centre. This technical centre has been working on the engine since last 3 years in alliance with General Motors Powertrain Europe.