Chevrolet Beat diesel coming soon

Recently launched hatchbacks like the Volkswagen Polo and Ford Figo are doing well in the Indian market because they provide a lot of choice to the Indian buyer. For him the average of the car is very important and this average is much better when the car is diesel. So, to add this advantage to its product, US automaker General Motors is all set to introduce Chevrolet Beat diesel soon. According to General Motors India Vice-President P Balendran, "We will introduce the diesel variant of 'Beat' soon. We are planning to launch it in the first quarter of 2011 (calender year).”

The company has managed to sell about 69,579 units in 2009 and is expected to cross one lakh sales mark this year. Chevrolet Beat is one of the bestselling models in the company’s stable. Chevrolet beat has a waiting period of around 30-40 days. According to Balendran, “The company's majority of sales are driven by its popular small car 'Spark’. Compared to last year sales our growth this year is 113 per cent. We sold 69,579 units of which 30,000 units were Spark models.” 

However, there a piece of bad news as well. Even though the company is going to launch a diesel Beat, there are no plans of bringing out the petrol version of Chevrolet Cruze, the luxury sedan. And this is not all. According to Balendran, "We will introduce five new models at an investment of about Rs 5,000 crore. Three would be utility vehicles while two would be passenger cars.” 

He also claimed that the company retains over 60 per cent of its customers. Since General Motors is the first to introduce a three-year warranty, buyers like to come to them. Also, the company would come up with five new models by next year end. 

The company’s sales are on the rise with the July figures standing at 7,124 units at a 45 per cent increase. General Motor’s portfolio includes Chevrolet Captiva, Chevrolet Optra Magnum, Chevrolet Cruze, Chevrolet Aveo, Chevrolet Aveo U-VA, Chevrolet Spark, Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Tavera.