GM brings Aveo into India ahead of Europe, US

General Motors, in an effort to revive its fortunes in India, has announced the launch of its Chevrolet Aveo, a mid-sized sedan. GM in fact is launching this product first in India ahead of US and European markets.

The company, which presently offers the Chevrolet Optra in the D-segment and the Tavera in the multi-utility vehicle categories, is positioning the product in the entry-level C-segment. GM India said that the product will "redefine the small car segment".

The launch comes close on the heels of Ford launching its Fiesta in the same genre and is expected to be priced anywhere between Rs 5-7 lakh depending on the variants. The company will announce the price of the vehicle after the Union budget.

GM India also announced that Aveo will be followed by a sporty Aveo U-VA and Optra SRV. GM had earlier offered its Opel Astra, Opel Corsa and Opel Swing before coming in with the legendary Chevy brands in India. It is also expected that the Opel brand will not see any more launches in the Indian market.

Rajeev Chabba, president & MD, GM India said that they are aiming to sell 14,000 Aveos this calendar, followed by over 20,000 units next year. A hatchback version is also expected shortly.

Added Jim Queen, VP, Global Engineering, GM: "The Aveo is a key driver of the global expansion of Chevrolet. Following its market introduction recently, the Aveo is being rolled out in more than 140 countries around the world."

GM India during last year sold around 30,000 vehicles and is targeting to sell 50,000 units this year.