General Motors India revealed
more details of its transformation strategy for India by announcing the 2017
launch of an all-new four-door notchback, the Chevrolet Essentia, at the 2016
Auto Expo in New Delhi.
The Essentia headlines
Chevrolet’s aggressive plan to increase its presence on Indian roads by
tackling the fiercely competitive A-segment head-on with an exciting new car
that recognises the need for a traditional but richly appointed notchback.
GM also took the opportunity
to showcase a fun and spirited soft-roader concept based on the same platform
called the Chevrolet Beat Activ. The concept explores exciting new
opportunities in the market for a youthful car designed to stand out in a
crowd.
Based on the popular and
proven Beat platform, the Essentia and Beat Activ were specifically designed,
to suit the tastes and needs of the discerning Indian consumer while also
ensuring strong global appeal, at the GM Korea Design Studio.
The two show cars build on the
carmaker’s earlier promise to launch a new MPV, the Chevrolet Spin, in 2017.
The Essentia and Spin will mark the next wave of exciting new Chevrolet
products that will be introduced to the Indian market over five years.
GM Executive Vice President
and President of GM International Stefan Jacoby said, “GM India is prepared to
grow under a new leadership team along with new investment and an all-new
product strategy. We believe in the long-term potential of the Indian market.”
GM India President and
Managing Director Kaher Kazem said, “GM’s transformation in India is clearly
reflected in the development of the Chevrolet Essentia and Chevrolet Beat
Activ. We are heading into a new era with new-generation products that will
catapult the Chevrolet brand in India, giving consumers vehicles that have
never been seen in the market. Our aim is to ensure that our models are more
relevant, better connected, more exciting and safer than ever before, for
complete customer satisfaction.”
Designed in direct response to
consumer demand for passenger cars that offer a combination of value, space and
technology, the Essentia has functionality and style at its core. It strikes
the perfect balance between personality and practicality, content and luxury.
The Beat Activ is a concept
that explores the desire among more youthful consumers for a fun, spirited car
that reflects their personality while meeting all of the challenges of the
sometimes tough Indian environment.
Both cars boast
state-of-the-art connectivity and technology, including Apple CarPlay, Android Auto
and Chevrolet’s latest MyLink infotainment system. They are designed to support
their owners’ active lifestyles no matter what their inspiration may be by
offering a world of applications with the touch of a button or voice command.
“The two show cars are further
proof that GM is committed to revitalizing the Chevrolet brand in India by
strengthening the customer experience, and enhancing the dealer and service
network,” said Kazem.
With the introduction of its
new products, GM India is committed to increasing the localisation of its
vehicles built in India to over 85 percent within five years while increasing
exports from 21,000 units in 2015 to 50,000 units this year. Its manufacturing
facility in Talegaon will be capable of producing best-in-class products for
India and the world.
Jacoby concluded, “Our
transformation in India not only supports multiple product launches but also
strengthens our manufacturing operations and network to meet the needs of
Indian consumers and make GM a strong player in this important market.”
Source: General Motors India