GM launches the Chevrolet Aveo

New Delhi: General Motors India has launched Chevrolet Aveo in India and is expected to launch another two cars this year. The company will launch the Aveo U-VA and Optra SRV later as part of increasing its presence in the Indian market.

According to the president and MD of GM India, Rajeev Chaba, the Chevrolet Aveo is a global product built with the latest technology and meets the highest standards of quality. The car has been re-engineered, based on extensive testing across the country to meet the specific needs of customers, as well as local driving conditions and regulations.

The Aveo, to be manufactured at GM's manufacturing facility at Halol, Gujarat, is designed with attractive styling incorporating modern technology for extended comfort of the passengers
According to P Balendran, vice-president, corporate affairs, GM India, "The company has notched up 17-18 per cent growth last year and India ranked as a privileged market as only few months after this car was introduced in Shanghai it was now made available for Indian customers."

The Aveo is available in India in the 1.4-litre and 1.6-litre, 16-valve DOHC petrol engines with a hydraulic engine mount for a smooth, vibration-free ride. Available in a total of four variants in 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre engine options, the ex-showroom (Chennai) price ranges from Rs5.67 lakh to Rs 6.98 lakh.

Aveo's performance is enhanced by GM's variable geometry induction system (VGIS) and 32-bit engine management system.

With a crisp and modern exterior, wide stance, long wheelbase, power-assisted steering and a performance enhanced by the company's Variable Geometry Induction System (VGIS), which maximised power and fuel efficiency of the car, have been the notable features of Aveo.

Balendran said, "Aveo is a key driver of the global expansion of Chevrolet. Following its introduction, it is being rolled out in more than 140 countries around the world, including several European markets and the US."

The company plans to expand its dealership network from the present 77 to 110 sales points by the end of this year, and would set up two spare parts distribution centres in Maharashtra and Delhi to supplement the existing two units in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. The company also plans to continue with extensive localisation of its products in order to reduce the price of key components.

Last year GM India sold 30,000 units across brands and targets to sell 50,000 units this year comprising 20,000 units of Tavera; 10,000 units of Optra and 20,000 units of Aveo.
The company will also raise its capacity at Halol plant from the present 65,000 units per annum to 85,000 units by the end of 2006 that would need an investment of around Rs100 crore.
Till now GM Corp has invested Rs1,380 crore in its Indian subsidiary.

GM's Tavera and Optra from the Chevrolet stable have been GMI's most successful models in India so far and resulted in an upturn in GM India's fortunes. The company is now bullish on growth and expects to have a 10 per cent market share in India by the year 2010.