The Chevrolet Sail, General Motors India’s latest offering, the hatchback version of which is due for commercial launch early next month, will plug a gap in the automaker’s portfolio, Lovell Paddock, President and Managing Director, has said.
Unveiled at a media drive here, the Sail U-Va will take on B-segment cars such as the Maruti Swift, Hyundai i-10, VW Polo, Toyota Live and Nissan Micra.
“This car gets us a presence in a segment we have never been before,” Paddock said, adding that the sedan version will follow by December. This and the Multi-Utility Vehicle Enjoy, due for launch early next year, will complete the company’s Indian portfolio and address key product gaps.
“We can then plan to make more of what we have,” he said, adding that GMI will then focus on increasing visibility and awareness through various promotional initiatives and campaigns.
The Sail is the first product developed under GM’s joint venture with Chinese partner SAIC, and is being launched in both petrol (1.2 litre) and diesel (1.3 l) variants. The car has already been launched in China, Latin American markets like Chile and Ecuador, Egypt and some North African markets, but India is the only country to have a diesel, RHD version.
To be made at GMI’s plant at Talegaon, the engines for both the hatchback and notchback Sail will be made at the company’s engine plant in the same premises. With an initial level of localisation at 50 per cent, Lovell said that the company wanted to localise aggressively and was targeting achieving a level of 65-70 per cent localisation by next year.
Meanwhile, GMI is in the process of upgrading the Spark and will launch a pepped up version by the end of the month. It is also expanding its dealership network to at least 300 sales points and as many service outlets across the country by the end of this financial year from the current 279 sales points and 272 service outlets.
The focus is on opening new facilities in tier II and tier III cities, where much of the demand for vehicles is taking place.