General Motors inked MoU with Reva Electric Car Company last year to utilize its technology of manufacturing electric to build and electric variant of Chevrolet Spark. The project is already on track and the new Chevrolet Spark will hit the Indian roads by October2010. Delhi and NCR Chief Minister Sheila Dixit unveiled the electric model earlier this year at the Delhi Auto Expo 2010.
The collaboration between the two companies enables both the companies to step forward and integrate their technologies to develop car platforms and share the electric vehicle technology and build advance control systems.
“We are pleased to join hands with REVA to bring affordable small car platform based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence,” said Karl Slym, MD and CEO, GM India. “We are going to be working closely with the Central and State Governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicle charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment-friendly mode of personal transport,” he added.
General Motors is also planning to export the model to overseas market. However, the electric model of Chevrolet Spark will be sold only in those countries where Spark is not being manufactured locally. In other countries where Spark is being manufactured, General Motors will set up a joint venture with Reva Electric to set up electric vehicle plants.
