GM-SAIC's Hong Guang to hit the Indian market soon
General Motors, Shangai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) and Wuling have launched a joint venture of $100 million in Hong Kong. The main aim of this new venture is to capitalise on the growing Asian markets. The joint venture also aims at launching products which cater to the needs of emerging markets. The recent model, Hong Guang, a compact MPV from SAIC-GM-Wuling has now been launched in China. There it is priced between Rs. 3.07 lakh and Rs. 4.17 lakh.
The compact engine model is sold with two petrol engines – 1.2L and 1.4L. These engines which have been taken from Chevrolet currently power the Chevrolet Beat and Chevrolet Aveo. The chassis of the brand new Hong Guang has been adjusted by Lotus Engineering, a British company. Safety and comfort have been emphasized upon. Hong Guang is equipped with 5 manual gears, power steering. It has also got a seating capacity for 7 people.
By mid-2011, the Hong Guang model is expected to hit the Indian market. This model is likely to be sold under the existing brand name Tavera from General Motors. Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group commented that the Hong Guang addresses the growing need for a small, economical vehicle for business use and family travel. The new car is expected to have the price tag of Rs. 7 lakh in India. It will compete against the models like Toyota Innova and Mahindra Xylo.