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Made-in-India Essentia and new Beat for exports only

Indian market launches cancelled after GM’s pullout; Talegaon plant to be export hub for Central and South America.
1 min read18 May '17
Mark NarakadenMark Narakaden
15K+ views

Chevrolet Beat

Chevrolet Essentia

There could have been the launch of three new Chevrolet products in 2017. These plans have now been shelved in the wake of General Motor’s decision to pull out of the Indian market. Effectively, this puts an end to all ongoing production, marketing and after-sales preparation towards the Chevrolets' launches here.

The new Beat, a major upgrade of the outgoing car, rather than an all-new model, received a more modern face and a premium interior with features like Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. Engines were likely to include three-pot motors – the current car’s 1.0-litre diesel and a new 1.0-litre petrol.

Other products in the pipeline, which now won’t make it to India, are Beat Activ, a crossover version of the Beat hatchback, and the Beat Essentia sedan. The latter, a compact sedan first showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, was based on the new Beat and expected to be positioned half a segment below the current crop of compact sedans as a direct contender to the Tata Tigor.

However, these models will continue to be manufactured as the company plans to make its factory at Talegaon an export hub for Mexico and the Central and South American markets. GM already launched the Beat for these export markets and the Essentia is expected to follow soon.

In the past couple of months, there have been several sightings of these left-hand-drive camouflaged models being tested around the plant.

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GM to exit Indian market

Chevrolet brand to be phased out by year-end; local manufacturing to continue for exports only.
3 min read18 May '17
Sergius BarrettoSergius Barretto

New Chevrolet Beat will be exported.

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No Boosterjet engine for new Maruti Dzire

Maruti says that it is still testing the waters with its new engine; customers want sportier hatchbacks, not sedans.
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Mercedes-Benz E 220d launch on June 2, 2017

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Mercedes E 350d shown.

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Volvo confirms local assembly in India

Volvo joins the “Make in India” bandwagon; assembly operations to be located near Bangalore.
2 min read18 May '17
Staff WriterStaff Writer

Volvo Sweden plant. (Representational image).

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Audi to unveil Android infotainment system at Google conference

German carmaker will hold world premiere of its next-gen infotainment system with fully-integrated Android OS.
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Autocar India News DeskAutocar India News Desk
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