Chevrolet to spice up model line-up

Chevrolet India is looking to launch at least five new cars in the coming 24 months in order to tailor its model line-up more to meet the demands and aspirations of buyers in the country.

As of today, Chevrolet India has seven cars in its model line-up and accounts for a market share of 1.14 per cent of the passenger car market here. But the company has been paying attention as to what catches the customers eye these days. Having made its observations, the American car maker has announced that it will not be bringing its Spin MPV here which was slated for its India launch. Instead, the company will focus more on growing segments such as SUVs. Currently Chevrolet only has one SUV in its model line-up – the Trailblazer which is a premium offering and placed pretty high up the pricing ladder. You can read our review of the SUV here - Chevrolet Trailblazer Review: Road Test

But if Chevy is serious about entering the SUV space here it will need a more affordable model, something like a compact or mid-size SUV.  The Chevrolet Adra concept comes to mind and would be pretty interesting to see the car come to life here in the company’s Technical Training Centre in Bangalore to rival the likes of the hot selling Maruti Suzuki Vitara Brezza and Ford EcoSport.

The other big offering for Chevrolet in India would be the new Beat which is a heavily reworked version of the current car with a completely redesigned front facia with more contemporary styling. Expect the car to get funky interiors too to appeal to younger buyers along with more equipment.

Taking things further will be the Beat Activ which gets lower body cladding to give it a crossoveresque appeal.

Chevrolet will also be launching a compact sedan based on the beat, called the Essentia to cash in on the lucrative compact sedan segment as well.

According to GM India President and Managing Director, Kaher Kazem, “There was an overwhelming response from our Indian stakeholders to the Beat Activ when we revealed it at the Auto Expo in Delhi. As a soft-roader, the vehicle is ready for any adventure or challenge, while its interior ensures the driver remains comfortable and connected.”

“These new Chevrolet vehicles clearly demonstrate we are listening to our customers and are being led by their desire for small cars with more content and choice,” said Kazem. “They were distinctly developed for the Indian market. However, there is no doubt they will have global appeal.”

Kazem added, “Chevrolet is focused on delivering to our Indian customers the safe, high-quality vehicles they want backed by the world-class customer experience they deserve. We have a strong plan to launch at least five new Chevrolet models within the space of 24 months, including the new Trailblazer, new Beat, Essentia, new Cruze and Beat Activ.”