GM-SAIC to roll out Sail hatchback by June-July, launches new Tavera

General Motors India is gearing up to roll out the Sail hatchback, the first of its vehicles under the GM-Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) banner, by June-July this year. Developed at GM-SAIC’s Pan-Asia Technical Automotive Centre (PATAC) in Shanghai, the hatchback will be followed by the launch of a B-segment MPV based on the Wuling CN-100 by end-2012. Lowell Paddock, president and MD of GM India, says that the 7-8-seater MPV will be pitted directly against the Maruti Ertiga in a segment which is not too large at present. The Ertiga, however, does not qualify for excise duty benefits as it is above 4 metres in length.

Indian engineers from the GM India Technical Centre at Bangalore have customised both the vehicles for the Indian market in terms of installation of the engine and right-hand drive among other things.

Paddock also indicated that a facelifted Spark is on the cards during the second half of the year. The new Captiva with the 2.2-litre engine is also to be unveiled within the next few weeks.

Meanwhile, GM India launched its new BS IV-compliant Chevrolet Tavera Neo-3 MPV. The car is powered by an all-new 2.0-litre TCDi direct injection diesel engine along with a new transmission to deliver low-end torque and launch feel. Among the new features are Chevrolet’s signature twin-port grille and a bigger Chevrolet bowtie at the front and at the back, and a dual-tone body colour combination. Pricing ranges between Rs 7.51 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) through to the premium model which costs Rs 10.34 lakh.

SHOBHA MATHUR