GM India to extend production at Halol plant

Automobile manufacturer GM India on Thursday said it will extend production at its Halol assembly plant until March 2017, while it continues to review future options for the site.

The company further said that it plans to produce the upgraded Tavera at the Halol assembly plant.

According to GM India President and Managing Director Kaher Kazem, the move will provide more time to ensure an orderly transition for employees, suppliers and other stakeholders, as the company continues to work through options for the facility.

As part of its major overhaul plan in India, the US-based automobile manufacturer had announced last year that it will shut down its Halol assembly plant in Gujarat by the second half of 2016.

Under the company's India plan, it intends to invest $1 billion by 2020 to launch new models and expand capacity at its Talegaon factory located in Maharashtra.

Recently, GM India announced its plan to launch at least five new Chevrolet models within the space of 24 months, including the new Trailblazer, new Beat, Essentia new Cruze and Beat Activ.

"GM India will continue with our plan to consolidate manufacturing at our Talegaon plant," said Kazem.

"We are exploring a number of options in relation to the Halol site, including its sale. Selling the plant may include contract manufacturing to ensure continuity for the upgraded Chevrolet Tavera."

--IANS

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