General Motors has earmarked India as a strategic market. It has introduced the Beat under its Chevrolet brand and has unveiled the e-Spark which will hit Indian roads by October.

Now, the beleaguered car maker is involved in a project involving a new car model that would be built from scratch in India by 2011-12. This car would be developed almost entirely in the country, using the technical expertise and know-how of GM India’s design studio in Bangalore.
If rumours have to be believed, then this car is going to be a compact car which will be fuel-efficient and eco-friendly. Moreover, this car is likely to be positioned below the Chevrolet Spark.

General Motors India will also foray into the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment in the country next year with three LCV variants as part of its joint venture with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC). The company will also start production of petrol engines in the mid-fourth quarter of this year from its powertrain facility in Talegaon. The production of petrol engines would be followed by diesel engines and the company would manufacture 1.6 lakh units in the first phase.

Besides, General Motors India will export newly-launched Beat to markets in Europe and Asia Pacific after a year of production.