General Motors India, the Indian subsidiary of the American automaker General Motors is planning to enter the entry-level sedan and hatchback segments in India. The company plans to launch the premium hatchback Sail in the month of June-July 2012 and the Sail sedan by the end of 2012. The Sail hatchback and sedan are likely to compete with the Maruti Suzuki’s Swift and Swift DZire as well as Toyota Etios Liva and Etios sedan.
With the launch of the Sail hatchback and sedan the company plans to tap into the growth potential of these categories, states Mr. Lowell Paddock, president and managing director, General Motors India (GMI). The company is targeting the segments that recorded the fastest growth amid significant slowdown in the Indian automobile industry in 2011. Moreover, General Motors expects the new launches to boost its sales in India in 2012 after facing low sales in the year 2011.
The company is also planning to launch a multi-purpose vehicle in addition to the launch of the Sail hatchback and sedan car models. The upgraded versions of the Tavera utility vehicle and the Captive SUV are also planned for a launch in 2012.
General Motors aims sales figures of 3,00,000 units for the Indian market by the year 2013. The company has registered sales of 1,11,150 cars in 2011 which was a growth of 345 units over the 1,10,805 units sold in 2010.