GM India displays Chevrolet Essentia sedan & Beat Activ concepts at Auto Expo

General Motors today revealed an all-new four-door concept sedan, the Chevrolet Essentia, at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi. The production version is slated for launch in India in 2017. With this, the carmaker aims increase its presence on Indian roads and take on the competitive compact sedan segment here.

To be based on the next-generation Beat hatchback, the production sedan is expected to share many of its components with its hatchback sibling, along with a few components from the next-gen Spark, which was revealed internationally last year.

While the carmaker hasn’t revealed engine details yet, the production car is likely to get the same engine line-up as the hatchback — this means a 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol motor derived from the company’s new 1.4-litre Ecotec engine and the current 1.0-litre India-specific three-cylinder diesel motor.

The carmaker also unveiled the Chevrolet's Beat Activ concept at the 2016 Auto Expo. Both cars get Chevrolet’s latest MyLink infotainment system.

Based on the Beat platform, GM says the Essentia and Beat Activ have been 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 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.”

 “The two show cars are further proof that GM is committed to revitalising the Chevrolet brand in India by strengthening the customer experience, and enhancing the dealer and service network,” said Kazem.

GM India says it 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.

GM India has in the April-December 2015 period sold 12,961 units in the domestic market and exported 19,258 units.