General Motors (GM) has failed to achieve projected sales numbers in Indian automobile market. In order to give boost to its slumping sales, GM is working to create a new platform codenamed “Amber” from ground-up that will build at least three new car models – a premium hatchback, compact sedan and compact SUV. These new models would target mainly the developing markets like India, Brazil, Thailand, Russia and Mexico.
The move comes after several attempts, including its new products – Sail and Enjoy based on Chinese, failed make an impact in India. Even post the introduction of new models, the sales slumped to 80,000 units as oppose to 1,10,000 units in FY12. In the first two months of FY-15, both Sail (hatchback and sedan) and MPV saw a decline of 25-30%.
This move will be closely followed by GM’s Global CEO, Mary Barra.
People involved close to the development said that the Amber project has a global potential of 1-1.2 million units, with India expected to contribute about 1.5 lakh units annually to the project
“With regards to India, the priority is on the compact SUV, but the platform will also have a premium hatchback and an entry level sedan. The projects are likely to be launched in India and Brazil concurrently or within a matter of six months,” said a person in the know of the development.
However, the audience will have to wait for a considerable amount of time as GM is not expected to bring new products based on Amber platform to the market till the first half of 2018.
I think even government organisations work better than GM. Their vision is of confusion, very late decisions, lethargic operations and sub standard products. Hope they had enough to learn and it’s time to fix it. Otherwise miss the bus, which comes scarcely.