General Motors India has unveiled its two products, namely the Chevrolet Sail premium hatchback and the Chevrolet MPV Concept at the 11th edition of the Delhi Auto Expo at Pragati Maidan. These two products were introduced in collaboration with the Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturer (SIAM).
Present at this occasion was Lowell Paddock, President and Managing Director of General Motors India, who stated, "The introduction of the Sail hatchback and MPV Concept demonstrates our commitment to take advantage of the global resources of GM and our partners in India for India." He added, "The two products have been tailored for local market conditions and the need of local consumers for economical, user-friendly personal transportation."
Chevrolet Sail Hatchback
Regarding the new Sail, Lowell Paddock commented, "The Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be a strong addition to GM's mini-car portfolio in India. It will bring a new sense of vitality to the biggest, fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the domestic passenger car market."
The Chevrolet Sail hatchback, which has been developed to cater to emerging markets, will be available for sale in India later this year. The engineers from the GM Technical Centre, Bangalore had been pondering for an almost a year to produce the Sail hatchback in such a manner that it can live up to the needs of Indian customers.
The exterior and interior designing of the Sail hatchback represents the Chevrolet’s styling technique. Some of the unique of the Chevrolet Sail hatchback are as follows:
• Dual-port grille decorated with gold bowtie
• Long front and short rear
• Spacious interior with dual-cockpit design
• Chrome-plated Instrument panel having CD player, music Aux-in interface and Radio
• A distinctive waistline that renders a dynamic posture to the vehicle
Apart from these features, the hood is another unique element that gets a 3D look because of its muscular cut-lines.
The Sail hatchback is quite spacious and is ideal as a family car since it can seat five passengers with ease. Fuel tank that is located in the middle of the car, short overhangs in the rear and front help the car in making judicious use of interior space. The high roof design makes the Sail hatchback suitable for tall passengers. The storage space of this model allows people to store ample amount of luggage.
General Motors India has used its Smartech engines in the Sail hatchback that makes the model highly fuel efficient and powerful and ensures low emissions. The model will be available in petrol as well as diesel versions.
As far as the safety is concerned, Chevrolet has designed the car with cage-body construction that is complemented by high-strength steel. Steel beam-rolling ribs protect the fuel tank that in turn results in complete safety of passengers.
Chevrolet MPV Concept
On unveiling Chevrolet MPV Concept, Lowell Paddock commented, "The Chevrolet MPV Concept is designed for those who want a spacious, comfortable and well-styled vehicle to enjoy life with their loved ones,"
This is a multi-purpose vehicle that is made for MPV B segment of the domestic market. The company has engineered this car for the emerging automobile markets. The Chevrolet MPV Concept has been developed especially for bigger families and would feature flexi-seating and option of 7 or 8 seats.
For the chassis, GM Technical Centre - India has collaborated with British automobile manufacturer, Lotus. Both the companies worked for more than a year to design the perfect chassis for the MPV Concept. As usual, the manufacturer has given foremost importance to the safety and used ultra-high-strength and high-strength steel in the chassis and body.
The MPV Concept and the Sail hatchback will be put to test on diverse topography and in different climatic conditions across the country.
Chevrolet, a division of General Motors, was established in 1911, in Detroit, U.S.A. The company sells its vehicles in over 140 countries around the world. Chevrolet entered the Indian automobile market in the year 2003 and has become one of the fastest growing auto makers in the country since then.
The company has successfully earned an enviable reputation for its reliable, safe and fuel-efficient automobiles. Impressive design, high quality, value and spirited performance are some of the factors present in its models. Till now, Chevrolet has introduced Chevrolet Optra, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Tavera, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Cruze and Chevrolet Beat on Indian roads.
