Gm To Unveil Three More Models

General Motors India (GMI), the Indian outfit of the American auto giant General Motors Corporation, plans to introduce three more models to widen its product portfolio in the country, its vice-president (corporate affairs) P Balendran said.

At the launch of Opel Swing in Kolkata, Balendran said the company was awaiting clearances for introducing three more models.

GMI now offers German-engineered Opel models such as the Astra, Corsa and Opel Swing from its factory at Halol in Gujarat.

Without disclosing the details of the prospective models, he said: "India has been identified as one of the key growth markets in the region. We are studying the possibility of introducing more models in the near future and widening our product portfolio. We have embarked upon an ambitious programme to widen our reach and network."

Sources indicated that the company was also planning to import a model called Vectra from Germany.

"Previously, it was planned that the model would be priced at Rs 13-14 lakh. Following the spurt in import duties, anything below Rs 16 lakh would not be viable. Therefore, the company began talks with its German counterpart to reduce the procurement price level," they added.

The company aims at selling 1,000 pieces of Opel Swing, available in 1.4 and 1.6 litre engine options, by this calendar year. Opel Swing was launched in Delhi a couple of days ago.

The company intends to have 45 dealers and 40 authorised service outlets by this year. Currently, it has 42 dealers and 25 authorised service outlets across the country.