General Motors India has shelved plans to launch a small car in India. The entry-level car which was to be priced below Spark was planned to take on Tata Nano.
General Motors India (GMI) President and MD Karl Slym told the reporters that, “It (small car) was under discussion when the Rs 1 lakh car (Nano) came in. We have reached a decision point that it is not right for us.”
Mr. Slym stated GMI’s future models will all be priced above Spark. Spark is currently priced between Rs. 301,000 and 431,000 (ex- showroom, Delhi) and wears a 1,000 cc engine. It is available in both petrol and LPG options. Choosing not to answer the question directly, Mr. Slym gave a non committal reply, “We have a powertrain facility that can produce different types of engines,” to the question if the company had plans to introduce Spark with a smaller engine.
The company is currently preparing for the launch of the diesel variant of its small car Beat. The car is slated to be launched next month. Talking about the performance of the car, Mr. Slym quoted, “This is going to be one of the most fuel efficient cars. As per ARAI standards, the car will give a mileage of 24 km for every litre.” Mr. Slym added the company is expecting to grow twice the industry average with the launch of Beat diesel.
