GM to launch smaller engine power Spark

General Motors (GM) yesterday confirmed plans to launch the Spark, powered by a smaller engine, for the Indian market, in the next 24 months. The new Spark probably fitted with an 800 cc engine would be the auto maker's lowest-priced car in India. It would compete against the Tata Nano, Maruti 800 and Alto.

Further, according to GM was working on a diesel variant of the Beat and would launch an LPG version in January, next year. Additionally, GM would launch the new Tavera, a multi utility vehicle, and showcase its all-electric vehicle in April next year. The Spark currently comes with a one-litre petrol engine and an LPG version is also available.

According to Karl Slym, president, General Motors India, the company had a small-engine Spark available in the overseas market and was looking to bring it to India in the next 24 months. The 800 cc Spark is sold in South Africa at around $ 5,220.

In the Indian market GM currently sells three small cars -the Spark, Beat and Aveo U-VA and according to experts the success of the 1.2 litre Beat last year at an attractive could prompt the company into the volume game.

According to experts, GM had initially over priced the Spark, a move that later forced it to reduce the price and the model today sells at a starting price of Rs3.3 lakh (ex-showroom Mumbai)

Initially, the company would source the 800 cc Spark components from overseas markets and later localise production in India.