General Motors India sold 5,557 vehicles in January 2014, representing a 26.77 percent decline from the 7,588 units sold in January of 2013.
The 5,557 sold units include 1,778 units of the Chevrolet Beat (global new Spark), 1,217 units of the Chevrolet Sail, and 1,098 units of the well-awarded Chevrolet Enjoy MPV. To note, the product portfolio offered by GM India is comprised solely of Chevrolet models.
“The general economic scenario continues to remain muted and we do not expect any revival to happen in the short term”, said GM India spokesperson Paramu Balendran. “We hope the Auto Expo to bring some excitement to the market to improve customer sentiments.”
The results follow an 11.92 percent decline of GM sales in the United States as record-low weather teamed up with heavy snowfall to keep buyers out of dealerships.
Comments
There is a lot going on in India. There has been a lot of bad press with the Emissions scandal that we even heard about there. Also there has been other issued at India not stated. GM is aware of these issues and has been working to stem the damage.
Add to this the strength of the other local makes and the fact GM is not selling a ton of cars there to begin with. 27% of 7,588 is not the same as 27% of 100,000 cars.
There is new product coming there and new leaders in place but it will take time to show results.
The main points for GM India to note are : 1) Improve the gearbox, seats comfort and fuel efficiency of the second generation spark (M200 & M250). Otherwise it is good.
2) Improve the sail interiors and gearbox 3) Improve the beat’s petrol mileage (third generation spark)
4) Improve the service centre reach
Not sure about the “new leadership” Paddock is unproven at this level and breadth of responsibility.