February 9 2016, 17.41 PM IST || Pocket News Alert
Four-door notchbackand soft-roader conceptrevealed at 2016 Auto Expo
Hyderabad: General Motors revealed more details of its transformation strategy for Indiaby announcing the 2017 launch ofan all-new four-door notchback,the Chevrolet Essentia,at the 2016 Auto Expo in New Delhi.
The Essentia headlines Chevrolet’s aggressive plan to increase its presence on Indian roads by tackling the fiercely competitive A-segment head-on with an exciting new car that recognizes the need for a traditional but richlyappointed notchback.
GM also took the opportunity to showcase a fun and spirited soft-roader concept based on the same platform calledthe Chevrolet Beat Activ. The conceptexplores exciting new opportunities in the market for a youthful car designed to stand out in a crowd.
Based on the popular and proven Beat platform, the Essentiaand Beat Activwere specifically designed,to suit the tastes and needsof 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 Spinwill mark the next wave of exciting new Chevrolet products that will be introduced to the Indian market over five years.
GM Executive Vice President and President ofGM InternationalStefan 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’stransformation 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 completecustomer satisfaction.”
Designed in direct response to consumer demand forpassenger cars that offer a combination of value, space and technology, the Essentia has functionality and style at its core. It strikes the perfect balance between personality and practicality, content and luxury.
The Beat Activ is a concept that explores the desire among more youthful consumers for a fun, spirited car that reflects their personality while meeting all of the challenges of the sometimes tough Indian environment.
Both cars boast state-of-the-art connectivity and technology, including Apple CarPlay, Android Autoand Chevrolet’s latest MyLink infotainment system. They are designed to support their owners’ active lifestyles no matter what their inspiration may be by offering a world of applications with the touch of a button or voice command.
“The two show cars are further proof that GM iscommitted to revitalizing the Chevrolet brand in India by strengthening the customer experience, and enhancing the dealer and service network,” said Kazem.
With the introduction of its new products, GM India is committed to increasingthe localization of its vehicles built in Indiato over 85 percentwithin five years while increasingexports from 21,000 units in 2015 to 50,000 units this year.Its manufacturing facility in Talegaonwill be capable of producing best-in-class products for India and the world.
Jacobyconcluded, “Our transformation in India not onlysupportsmultiple product launches but also strengthens our manufacturing operations and network to meet the needs of Indian consumers and make GM a strong player in this important market.”
About Chevrolet
Founded in 1911 in Detroit, Chevrolet is now one of the world's largest car brands, doing business in more than 115 countries and selling more than 4.0 million cars and trucks a year. Chevrolet provides customers with fuel-efficient vehicles that feature engaging performance, design that makes the heart beat, passive and active safety features and easy-to-use technology, all at a value. More information on Chevrolet models can be found at www.chevrolet.com
