Karl Slym, MD & President, GM India, told 4Ps B&M, “There is more opportunity for the small cars in India and there is room 
for more vehicles. We are developing something in our labs and will be launching another car in the Spark segment some time soon.” Clearly this time, GM is leaving no room for mistakes. It is now very clear that GM has chosen the Chevrolet brand as the platform for its future growth. Also all new products introduced will be un der the brand name Chevrolet. Explains Slym, “We added Spark, U-VA, Optra Magnum and Captiva to the Chevrolet brand as it is important to clarify to the customers what the GM brand stands for in India.” As branding holds such relevance, the company is “now banking on brand enhancement and building consumer awareness.” In order to reach these ends effectively, GM is now ready to bring in its premium brands into Indian terrain. “I’ll be definitely going beyond the Chevrolet brand. Presently Chevrolet looks after 90% of the market. Now we also have to take care of the remaining 10% of the market,” says Slym.
With its portfolio and strategy in place, it seems that GM is well on its way to become a wholesome automotive player in India. Apart from the innovative small cars like the Spark and U-VA, the introduction of punchy CRDi’s in its range has further filled the lacuna that was left due to lack of diesels earlier. With the dealer and service outlets growing in numbers, the company is thinking about being both “flexible and nimble” in the long term. Even though Toyota might eventually clinch the numero uno position in the global auto mart, the hard hitting truth remains – GM has left it way behind in the Indian market, a market, which may finally decide the destiny of the global auto market.
for more vehicles. We are developing something in our labs and will be launching another car in the Spark segment some time soon.” Clearly this time, GM is leaving no room for mistakes. It is now very clear that GM has chosen the Chevrolet brand as the platform for its future growth. Also all new products introduced will be un der the brand name Chevrolet. Explains Slym, “We added Spark, U-VA, Optra Magnum and Captiva to the Chevrolet brand as it is important to clarify to the customers what the GM brand stands for in India.” As branding holds such relevance, the company is “now banking on brand enhancement and building consumer awareness.” In order to reach these ends effectively, GM is now ready to bring in its premium brands into Indian terrain. “I’ll be definitely going beyond the Chevrolet brand. Presently Chevrolet looks after 90% of the market. Now we also have to take care of the remaining 10% of the market,” says Slym.With its portfolio and strategy in place, it seems that GM is well on its way to become a wholesome automotive player in India. Apart from the innovative small cars like the Spark and U-VA, the introduction of punchy CRDi’s in its range has further filled the lacuna that was left due to lack of diesels earlier. With the dealer and service outlets growing in numbers, the company is thinking about being both “flexible and nimble” in the long term. Even though Toyota might eventually clinch the numero uno position in the global auto mart, the hard hitting truth remains – GM has left it way behind in the Indian market, a market, which may finally decide the destiny of the global auto market.
