GM India launches Spark LPG version, to cost Rs 3.52 lakh

Putting a brave face amid its parent going bankrupt in the US, General Motors India today launched the LPG version of its small car Spark in the country, priced at Rs 3.52 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).     

"We plan to continue to introduce the variance of the Spark that targets different groups of customers. This will enable us to achieve our goal of becoming a market leader in India by giving our customers the vehicles that they want, when they want them," General Motors India President and Managing Director Karl Slym told reporters here.     

The company also plans to launch luxury sedan Chevrolet Cruze in September and a mini car by the end of this year.     

Earlier this week the company had said its India operations will remain unaffected despite its parent filing for bankruptcy protection, but it is currently facing difficulties in raising funds for completing its engine manufacturing plant at Talegaon in Maharashtra.     

"The bankruptcy filing was only for the US operations and our business here will continue as usual. All employees, suppliers and customers are partners of the company," he said.     

GM India had announced an investment of $200 million for constructing an engine transmission plant of two lakh units per annum capacity at Talegaon. It was in addition to the already-invested $300 million in a manufacturing plant in the same locality that produces 1.4 lakh units a year.     

The company has another facility at Halol in Gujarat that has a production capacity of 85,000 units a year.