General Motors India, an equal joint venture between US based auto giant General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SIAC), is speculated to launch a new mid-size sedan – Chevrolet Baojun 630 – in the Indian market very soon. The new Baojun 630 is expected to be placed above the Chevrolet Aveo in the price range of Rs 6 to 8 lakh.
The launch of a new entry level sedan will substantially strengthen the company’s India portfolio as the existing Chevrolet Aveo has been performing below expectation and has failed to do the magic for the company in the Indian market. After hitting the Indian roads, the new Baojun 630 would be fighting for the space with the likes of Maruti Swift Dzire, Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Vento, Tata Indigo CS and recently unveiled Toyota Etios.
It is to be mentioned here that GM India has planned a massive portfolio expansion in the Indian market in coming two years by launching as many as 6 new car models in 14 new variants. The company has planned-up a heavy investment of over $ 500 million in its India operation in coming years, which will be utilized in both manufacturing capacity and dealership expansion.
Moreover, the company is also developing a new India bound small car that will be rolled-out in the country in year 2012. The new GM small car will be priced in the segment of sub Rs 2 lakh where it will be competing with the likes of Tata Nano, Maruti Alto and Hyundai Santro Xing.
The company’s portfolio in India carries over half a dozen cars including hatchbacks like Chevrolet Beat and Spark, starting range sedans like Chevrolet Aveo and Optra magnum, premium range sedan Chevrolet Cruze, SUV Chevrolet Tavera and luxury SUV Chevrolet Captiva.
In November 2010, the company has managed to sell 8376 units of its cars in the Indian market as compared to 7118 units sold in the same month last year.
