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.

Click here for Cloud Computing

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 remain weak - Reliance Power Q3 net up 42% to Rs 204 cr - Jagdish Mahapatra appointed McAfee India's MD - Tensions grow over EU aviation emissions scheme - Cognizant bags 5-yr IT outsourcing deal from Future Group 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 remain weak - Reliance Power Q3 net up 42% to Rs 204 cr - Jagdish Mahapatra appointed McAfee India's MD - Tensions grow over EU aviation emissions scheme - Cognizant bags 5-yr IT outsourcing deal from Future Group

Tags : Chevrolet Cruze | General Motors India | Toyota Corolla   Read Business news in  Advertisements -  Now property search gets more exciting than ever before! -  IndianOil Citibank Card at Zero annual card fee -  Save over Rs.3000 with IndianOil Citibank Card -  Office 365 for professionals and small businesses. -  Are You Serious About Your Future? Click here to know more -  India's No. 1 Property Site. Click here to know more.. -  Win a Business Class Ticket to Europe..Know more.. -  Exim Bank Conclave on India - Africa Project Partnership. Know more.. -  Be part of it The World's Largest Aircraft. -  Creating Wealth made simple the SIP way. Know more.. -  Only Developer to give a guarantee on time space & rate. -  Buy Your Property with Our Triple Guarantee in India. -  Improve Patient Care & Experience. Click here to know more -   Introduce a New Automotive Luxury Car.. know more -  Health is Wealth..... Insurance + Savings... Know More... -  Making lives better through Social Innovation Business..