Chevrolet India protected from all bankruptcy troubles
Bankruptcy is looming large on the parent company and despite that, General Motors India is optimistic about the Indian market, driving home a message that operations in the country are shielded from all the troubles at home.
General Motors India has managed a 10% sales growth in 2008 amid a slowdown in the market. It is now eyeing a similar momentum in 2009, fuelled by the launch of two new cars and new dual-fuel variants (LPG/CNG) on existing vehicles.
General Motors India president Karl Slym told TOI that "The negative news emanating from the US does make things harder for us. But we have our own plans and are fully committed to the Indian market which is completely insulated from all troubles."
GM has been constantly working on a near independent strategy in India and has already completed investments of around $1 billion. The company says the Indian business is self-sufficient and it is making operational profits for some years now.
The company's India sales, is at 65,702 units in 2008, a growth of 9.5%. And Slym said that they were eyeing a similar growth rate this year. To get a larger foothold in the Indian market, GM India has been offering competitive prices and packages with cars, including mini car 'Spark'.
"We are confident about the quality of our cars and therefore offer free service and maintenance packages upfront. This also helps boost customer confidence in our brands," he said.
GM India is likely to introduce 'Cruze' sedan, to be positioned around the Rs 12 lakh price bracket. In addition to this, it will also roll out a new mini car, which will be positioned in the premium compact segment upwards of Rs 4 lakh. The mini car will sport both petrol and diesel engines.
[Via: infibeam]