Amid rumours of axing the slow-selling Enjoy MPV and the Sail twins, GM India announced today that it will extend production at its Halol Assembly Plant until March 2017 while it continues to review future options for the site. According to GM India President and Managing Director Kaher Kazem, this will provide more time to ensure an orderly transition for employees, suppliers and other stakeholders as the company continues to work through options for the facility.
GM India also confirmed that in coming months it would begin production of the upgraded Tavera at the Halol Assembly Plant. These announcements come following GM India’s plan to launch at least five new Chevrolet models within the space of 24 months, including the new Trailblazer, new Beat, Essentia, new Cruze and Beat Activ. Back to the ageing Tavera, it does desperately need an upgrade now, as it is the only model from the GM stable after the Beat hatchback and the Cruze sedan that’s seen some relative popularity in India.
“GM India will continue with our plan to consolidate manufacturing at our Talegaon plant,” said Kazem. “We are exploring a number of options in relation to the Halol site, including its sale. Selling the plant may include contract manufacturing to ensure continuity for the upgraded Chevrolet Tavera. Chevrolet is committed to putting our customers at the center of everything we do by providing safe, high-quality vehicles backed by a world-class ownership experience that they expect and deserve.”