GM targets sales of 1800 Tavera units in 2006

General Motors is targeting to sell 1,800 Tavera in Gujarat this year and capture 27 per cent market share in the MUV sector.

The Tavera's total share in the domestic market is 24 per cent.

"In Gujarat, we are looking to sell 1,800 units of the Tavera in 2006, accounting for a market share of 27 per cent (in MUV)," P Balendran, vice-president "" corporate affairs, GM India, told Business Standard.

Dealers are upbeat, and think that the Tavera's market share will grow in the state.

"We sell about 125-odd vehicles in the Kutch, north Gujarat, Suarashtra and Ahmedabad region. And it is growing at 20-25 per cent," Vinay Singh, CEO, Gallops Motor, a Chevrolet Tavera dealer, said.

N M Sharma, managing director of Gallops Motors, said the Tavera will capture much more than the projected share.

"Tavera is bound to do well because of its fuel efficiency, low maintenance and good load capacity. Its maintenance cost, according to the September 2005 issue of Overdrive, is just 29 paise up to one lakh km," he said.

Also with the Tavera, comes a guarantee of 1.5 lakh km or up to five years, unlike any other car in the MUV category.

It also gives a healthy average of 20 km in highway and 14.3 km in city, which is 21 per cent more than its competitors, according to the report, Sharma added.

Besides, the Tavera's parts are about 50 per cent cheaper than that of its competitors, he said.

One of the major reasons for its success is its penetration in the smaller towns and the rural markets.

"Our sales of 60-70 units are in semi-urban and rural towns like Anand and Mehsana. And a majority of our customers are businessmen, who travel long distances, and travel operators," said Sharma.

The vehicle is also priced between Rs 5.8 lakh and Rs 8.7 lakh, much lesser than its competitors, he added.