GM India Jan 2007 sales up 46%

Chennai, Feb 1 (UNI)General Motors India has registered a 46 per cent growth in sales in January 2007 compared to the corresponding period last year.

It sold 3,776 units in January as against 2,592 units during the corresponding period last year, according to a press release here today.

The January 2007 sales comprise of 2,111 units of Chevrolet Tavera, 1,421 units of Chevrolet Aveo U-VA and 244 units of Chevrolet Optra.

About the sales growth, Company Vice-President P Balendran said as part of the Chevrolet India Revolution, the Chevrolet Aveo U-VA was the third and latest Chevrolet product to enter the market this year.

It followed the successful launches of the Aveo sedan and SRV premium sportsback, he said adding besides expanding its line-up of vehicles, GM India has also expanded its dealership network from 76 to 95 sales points this year.

In addition, one new parts distribution centre has also been set up this year in Maharashtra to supplement the two original centres in Gujarat and Tamil Nadu, he said.

Gearing up for a major ramp up, General Motors India's Halol facility in Gujarat is undergoing an expansion drive to enhance its capacity to 85,000 units to cater to the increased market demand for Chevrolet brand of vehicles, he said adding GM India had also commenced work on its new manufacturing facility at Talegaon in Maharashtra.

The plant will have an annual production capacity of 1,40,000 vehicles. The plant is expected to be completed within 20 months, with start of production scheduled for the third quarter of 2008, it added.

UNI