General Motors, parent company of Chevrolet is planning to stop the production of Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Aveo sedan and Chevrolet Aveo U-VA hatchback models starting September 2012. It is a crucial step for the refreshment of the current brand portfolio which is not attracting much sales. Another reason for the revision is the increasing demand for diesel variants.
Another thing in our knowledge is that Chevrolet has already announced that in July it will launch the awaited Chevrolet Sail U-VA hatchback and the sedan/notchback version of the same by September 2012. Beside these two the company will also introduce Chevrolet Enjoy MPV to the Indian market by the end of the year. Enjoy will be launched in direct competition with Maruti Ertiga and Toyota Innova.
Mr. Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director of GM India, said
“We want to get into segments where we have not been present before, and for all new models we are definitely looking at a diesel model. The 1.3-litre diesel co-developed with Fiat will debut with the Sail twins in India,”
The current line-up is not attracting enough buyers and the sales performance has dipped by 24 % @ 13,798 units between April and May 2012. The revision will only create some excitement among Chevrolet fans but will also boost its lagging sales.
Beside the MPV, sedan and small car models the company is also planning to expand its SUV line-up. The SUV range which currently constitutes of Chevrolet Captiva only will soon be added with Chevrolet Trailblazer, while a new compact model that is also on the cards.
Mr Paddock said, “We are looking at an SUV in the affordable range. Something that is accessible to a larger segment of buyers,”
Recently General Motors had launched the new Chevrolet Captiva as well as refreshed the Cruze with a new engine. So it is pretty clear that GM is not going to relax for a while and will keep scheduling launches after launches. We have our eyes on the company’s new car models and will update you with the latest information we get on the same, so stay tuned.
