Sometime in October, General Motors India will roll out the Chevrolet Cruze. It will be positioned between the upper end of the executive segment and the entry level of the premium segment. The range (petrol or diesel, automatic or manual transmission) will be priced between Rs 13.50 lakh and Rs 18.50 lakh.

“The Cruze will create an intermediate segment that involves luxury features found in premium car models at a lower price. The Cruze represents a brand new architecture of the Chevrolet brand,” says General Motors India Vice-president (sales and marketing) Ankush Arora.

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - GM India offers buy back scheme for Astra, Corsa - GM India launches Chevrolet Aveo Special Edition - GM India plans to export proposed mini car - GM India to increase ad spend to rev up brand image - It's business as usual for GM India - Damage control

Also Read   Related Stories News Now - Markets end flat - Turbulence ahead for airlines despite oil price drop - Weak rupee may bring cheer to NRIs, expats - LIC buys PSU stocks, sells pvt sector blue-chips in Q4 - Banks may lower deposit rates as inflation eases: Report More

More than anything else, the launch of the Chevrolet Cruze is meant to demonstrate that the financial problems faced by its parent, General Motors, in the US have in no way impacted the Indian operations. In fact, General Motors India plans to launch a small car on the Beat platform sometime next year. More launches could follow. Incidentally, the controversy seems to have had little impact on sales in India. It sold close to 4,500 cars in June, which was not dramatically lower than around 4,600 in the same month of last year. It is hopeful of closing July with sales of 5,400 (July 2008 was 5,700).

The Cruze is built on a new platform and includes a next-generation power train. It was made available recently in Europe, Australia, China and West Asia. “The Cruze was introduced in China about two months ago and we have sold over 20,000 in this time. During the same period, we sold over 2,000 in Australia. We are seeing similar response in the West Asian and Latin American markets,” says Arora. Surprisingly, the Cruze will not be made available in the US markets until 2010. In India, it will be manufactured at the company’s Halol plant.

New Ipad Application :Business Standard's all new IPad App Click here to download for free Other Stories      - Markets end flat - Turbulence ahead for airlines despite oil price drop - Weak rupee may bring cheer to NRIs, expats - LIC buys PSU stocks, sells pvt sector blue-chips in Q4 - Banks may lower deposit rates as inflation eases: Report

Tags : Chevrolet Cruze | General Motors India | Toyota Corolla   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  Journey on, We are by Your Side. Click here to know more -  2 Lac Apartments, 1 Lac House / Plots. Click here -  Benefits Upto Rs. 2.36 Lakhs on the Fully Loaded TJet Petrol. -  Watch The Film Here. Click here to know more.. -  Leader in Passenger Car & Automobile Tyres. Click here -  1 billion in saving for Unilever without any tangles. -  Learn How One City is Running on FOOD SCRAPS. -  One Partnership Endless Possibilities. Click here to know more -  Helping doctors detect diseases earlier, saving costs & extending lives. -  36 Lakhs can get you a pool of Luxuries. Click here -  Which is the best plan for your daughter -  Check out the TRUE COLOURS of your Stocks, Now for FREE! -  One of the leading business schools in the world.Know More