Chevrolet Spin's India launch hits speed breaker

This is the second pull out by a manufacturer from the MPV segment. Earlier Hyundai decided to not go ahead with Hexa Space

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General Motors-owned Chevrolet on Tuesday announced it had decided against launching its multi-purpose vehicle Spin in India next year.

“General Motors will not proceed with the Chevrolet Spin in India in 2017. Instead, it will shift its focus to growing segments, including sports utility vehicles,” the company stated.

Targeted at the hugely popular Maruti Suzuki Ertiga and Honda Mobilio, Spin was meant to compliment Chevrolet’s other multi-purpose vehicle offering, Enjoy. The Spin, which was showcased at the last India Auto Expo in February, was planned for launch this year.

This is the second such pull out by a manufacturer from the multi-purpose vehicle segment. Earlier, South Korean automaker Hyundai decided not to proceed with the Hexa Space launch in India.

GM also announced on Tuesday Chevrolet Beat Activ, a derivative of the Beat hatchback, would go into production.  The Beat Activ was introduced as a Chevrolet concept vehicle at the auto expo.

GM India President and Managing Director Kaher Kazem said, “There was an overwhelming response from stakeholders to the Beat Activ when we revealed it at the Auto Expo in Delhi. As a soft-roader, the vehicle is ready for any adventure or challenge, and its interiors ensure the driver remains comfortable and connected.”

GM is also lining up a compact sedan, based on the Beat called Essentia. This sedan will compete against Maruti Suzuki’s Dzire, Hyundai’s Xcent, Honda’s Amaze, Ford’s Figo Aspire, Tata’s Zest and Volkswagen’s Ameo.

Exports will continue to be important for GM India. In 2015, the company exported 21,000 Chevrolet vehicles to 40 countries, including Chile and Mexico.

This year, GM expects significant growth in exports, with an additional 50,000 vehicles.

Kazem added, “We have a plan to launch at least five new Chevrolet models within 24 months, including the new Trailblazer, new Beat, Essentia, new Cruze and Beat Activ.”