General Motors’ Indian operations are hopeful of gearing up after the decision of shutting down Indonesian plant was revealed. Closing down of said facility is a part of the American auto major’s global restructuring process, which is going to benefit the Indian market. Chevrolet is trying to CPR continuously falling sales and the flatlining of Indonesian production plant is believed to add pulse to Indian operations.
New products planned for Indian market are about to launch earlier. Tools and dies for manufacturing Chevrolet Spin MPV are said to be brought to India from the shut down factory, to help the vehicle roll out quickly and cost effectively. In about 18 months (by later part of 2016), the Chevy Spin MPV is set for launch, against Hyundai Hexa Space based MPV, Renault Lodgy, Honda Mobilio and Maruti Ertiga. If not for bringing equipment from Indonesian facility, it would have taken around 36 months to roll out the MPV here.
General Motors already has facilities in India for body shell, painting and engine manufacturing (1.3 litre diesel), for starters, therefore Chevrolet Spin India launch should not be delayed.
Already spied on test in India, Chevrolet Spin India launch is confirmed for 2016. Already on sale in Indonesia, Brazil and Thailand, the Spin comes with Fiat sourced 1.3l Multi Jet engine, and two petrol options – 1.2l and 1.5l. In In India, which of these options will be launched, is not certain. Price range is expected to be Rs 9-10 lakhs, and will compete with the likes of Maruti Suzuki S-Cross once launched. It will be placed above the Chevrolet Enjoy MPV.
Via – Economic Times
