PUNE: General Motors (GM), plans to roll out its new mini car next year from its Talegaon plant, near Pune. This will be followed by the launch
of a sedan category car named Cruz by 2010.
The mini car, which is yet to be named, will initially use imported parts for production. This will be localised later, said P Balendran, director and vice president (corporate affairs). The company plans to upgrade its existing models too, he added.
?Though the parent company in the US is pleading for a bailout, GM India is on track with its plans,? Mr Balendran said. GM India started making profits from 2004. The $200 million engine plant near the car plant in Talegaon has already started and will be fully commissioned by 2010. This the first flexi engine plant in the world which can produce petrol and diesel engines on the same line. The plant has a total capacity of 1,60,000 units.
?The company is neither reducing production, nor going for a lay off. In fact, we are adding our head count. The second production unit in Talegaon enabled us to meet the increase in demand for the entry car segment. At present, the plant is working in single shift and produces around 200 cars per day. By next year we are planning second shift too,? said Mr Balendran." The company is targeting a market share of 10% by 2010.
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