General Motor India Private Limited (GMIPL), a subsidiary of the American automotive multinational General Motor Co., has set focus towards doubling its annual volumes to 2,00,000 units in the domestic car market, by the end of next year 2013. In order to achieve the projected target, GMIPL has pinned hopes on its three new cars, comprising facelifted Chevrolet Spark and Sail U-VA hatchbacks along with a Multi Purpose Vehicle (MPV) Chevy Enjoy. The company has already introduced revamped Chevy Spark entry-level small car and the fresh new Sail U-VA premium hatch in the Indian passenger car market, with launch of Chevy Enjoy on the cards as well.
The much awaited and freshly launched 2012 Chevrolet Sail U-VA is pegged by top industry experts towards becoming next volume puller for the American auto giant on Indian front. The Sail U-VA falls in the premium hatchback category and confronts the likes of segment leaders like Maruti Suzuki Swift and Hyundai i20 along with Ford Brio, Toyota Etios Liva and Honda Brio. General Motors' Indian division missed a product greatly in the premium hatch category and thus, the launch of Chevy Sail U-VA is expected to turn the market tide towards company. Youthful and modish looks coupled with a neat competitive price strategy could help GMIPL, the country's fifth largest passenger car maker, in luring the Swift and i20 clientele towards its own stores.
Reportedly, the premium hatchback segment contributes to about 20 to 22 per cent of overall Indian auto market, with the segment witnessing sales around 40,000 to 45,000 units per month in the country. Further, Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), the country's largest passenger car maker, sells close to 15,000 units of Swift hatchback per month, with Hyundai Motor India Limited (HMIL) managing to sell 7,000 i20 units in the same period as well. Accordingly, GMIPL is aspiring to sell at least 4,000 units of Chevy Sail U-VA in the Indian auto market, while aiming towards contributing around 8 to 10 per cent to the overall domestic premium hatch space.
Expressing his views on new Chevy Sail U-VA's introduction in the Indian premium hatchback sector, Vikas Jain, Director, Sales, GMIPL, affirmed that the introduction of new products will give more options to domestic car enthusiasts. He further added that premium hatch segment is one of the fastest growing sectors in Indian passenger car market and the company is eager to consolidate its position in it.
