The US based leading car maker General Motors will roll-out the diesel version of its popular compact hatchback – Chevrolet Beat – in the Indian market by the month of June this year. The launch of a diesel version will enable the Beat model to compete more promptly with the likes of Ford Figo, Maruti Ritz and Volkswagen Polo, which are already available in both diesel and petrol versions.
Speaking to the media persons on the occasion of the launch of LPG variant of Beat in Chennai, General Motors India Vice-President P Balendran said, "Beat with a one litre diesel engine will also be coming in June this year." He added that Beat Diesel will not be a major volume player and the company is just incrementing the existing portfolio.
Moreover, the company will roll-out a Euro-IV variant of its sports utility vehicle (SUV) – Tavera – in the Indian market in the second half of this year. "When we launch the Euro-IV variant it will be havemore than 95 per cent localization Tavera with the Euro-IV engine will be launched by middle of this year" said Mr. Balendran.
In year 2010, the company sold a total of 1,10,804 units in the Indian markets against 69,787 units sold in the preceding calendar year, registering a growth of over 59.6 per cent.
