GM India sets eyes on exports, Spark diesel version on cards

Chennai: After Hyundai, Maruti, it is time now for General Motors India to focus on exports in a big way. Despite being presence in almost 200 countries, the Indian arm of the global major sees that its small cars have huge potential in the global markets.

The company is also currently working on alternate fuels, including diesel, for its small car Spark which may hit the stands in due course of time, said P Balendran, vice-president, corporate affairs, GM India.

Speaking to the FE here on Tuesday on the sidelines after launching Spark LPG version, he said: ‘‘We are definitely looking at the Asia Pacific and European markets. We have a flexible engine production facility at Talegaon as well as a new manufacturing facility. We see the revival of market and hope by 2011 GM India will be in a position to export 20% of its total production capability of 2.25 lakh cars per annum.’’

To a specific question, he said: ‘‘The company will looking at exporting of small cars only. If the demand for small cars shoots up, both in domestic as well as in other markets, we may go for another greenfield facility at the same Talegaon venue, where we have over 300 acres of land and can manufacture upto 1,60,000 cars and 1,40,000 engines afresh per annum.’’ Currently, the company is exporting to Nepal and Bangladesh in a small way, he added.

Reiterating that GM India is completely insulated from that of its US operations, he said: ‘‘We have made investments as per our commitment in India and will be growing as we targeted. Given the encouraging sales growth in April and May, GM India believes that it will achieve double-digit growth of 10% over last year.’’ With the launch of Spark LPG version into the market coupled with the new launches of Chevrolet Cruz (in September) followed it with a mini car on Spark platform by the end of this year, the company is confident of achieving the 10% growth, he said.

Responding to questions, he said GM India is working on alternate fuels for its small car Spark. ‘‘In addition to the petrol and LPG versions, the Spark will be introduced in alternate fuels, including diesel version in the near future,’’ Balendran said. Spark continue to be the major contributor for our overall sales in 2009, he said. ‘‘With the Cruz and mini car in place in the next...