General Motors launches SUV Trailblazer in India at Rs 26.40 lakh

In a bid to revive its fortunes in the country, US-based firm General Motors eyeing to tap the Indian SUV market, launched premium SUV Chevrolet Trailblazer here at Rs 26.40 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi).

Its launch is important for the company as it's the first of the 10 new models that it plans to introduce in India over five years. It had stated that it would roll out 10 models, including SUV Trailblazer and multi-purpose vehicle Spin in early 2017, from the Chevrolet family in the next five years.

Trailblazer, powered by 2.8 litre diesel engine, is imported from Thailand. On the positioning of new model, Managing director of General Motors India Arvind Saxena said: "This will be a halo brand over other models and also an integral part of our product portfolio. This vehicle reflects the true DNA of Chevrolet."

Customers will be able to book the Trailblazer on Amazon.in only from October 21-25, at a reservation deposit of Rs 25,000. Bookings can also be made through Chevrolet dealerships. Customers will receive their SUVs from their local Chevrolet dealership.

The company had announced in July a turnaround plan entailing fresh investment of $1 billion (Rs 6,400 crore) and ceasing production at its Gujarat plant to consolidate manufacturing operations in Maharashtra.

After the consolidation of the manufacturing operations, the company expects 30 per cent of the production from its Talegaon plant to be exported.

On company's plans to cease production at Halol plant, Saxena said: "We are in constant touch with the state government and employees. We are on track. Currently we are still producing vehicles at the plant but as we said before, it will stop by the middle of next year."

As per the company's plans, the Talegaon plant in Maharashtra will be strengthened and become an export hub. The move to close the manufacturing facility at Halol will adversely affect 1,100 employees. The plant has a total annual manufacturing capacity of 1.1 lakh units.

General Motors India is looking at selling vehicles in 30 countries in the next two years. It has set a target of exporting 40,000 units by 2016. This year it is aiming to export 19,000 units globally, including Chile and Mexico.

(Image credit: Thomson Reuters)