New Delhi, Jan 19, 2006 (Hindustan Times): General Motors India, the Indian arm of US automobile giant, on Wednesday unveiled three new models under Chevrolet brand and said it would raise capacity from 60,000 units to 85,000 by the year end. The expansion at its Halol facility in Gujarat will entail an additional investment of over Rs. 100 crore.

"Chevrolet Aveo U-VA is aimed at offering competition to Hyundai Getz, Maruti Swift, while Honda City, Ford Fiesta and Hyundai Accent will face challenge from Chevrolet Aveo, a notchback. Chevrolet Optra is a new product as a 'sportsback' through which General Motors hopes to create a new segment," GMI president and MD Rajeev Chaba told reporters here.

The company has planned a phased launch of the three cars between February and June this year. With this, General Motors will have five offerings, along with Optra and Tavera, to position in the market. "The engine specifications and pricing of the three models will be decided soon. We have the option of 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre engines for the cars," Chaba added.

"All three cars are international products with latest technology and built to our quality standards of the highest order. They have been re-engineered based on extensive testing across the country to meet the specific needs of our customers, local driving conditions and regulations," he stated.

GMI president said, "The Chevrolet was among the fastest growing car brands in India and would push up the company's sales on a higher trajectory GM regards India as one of the key markets for investments."