New Delhi, March 30, 2005:
Two stunning modern faces of the popular
Chevrolet brand are on a four-month India
tour to let auto connoisseurs experience
the magic of one of the world’s most popular
sports cars, the legendary Chevrolet Corvette
and the joys of the new Chevrolet SSR -
a roadster pick-up that changes into a convertible
in less than 30 seconds.
Establishing the long and illustrious heritage
of Chevrolet in the USA, the cars warmed
the hearts of car lovers at Mumbai Motor
Show from February 25 to 28. A special 40-foot
trailer is now taking them for display in
several cities across the country to celebrate
the second anniversary of Chevrolet brand’s
entry into India.
The cars will be on display at GM showrooms
Delhi and NCR (Mar 28 – May 2), Ludhiana
(May 6 –9), Chandigarh (May 11-14) Ahmedabad
(May 20- 24), Bangalore (May 30 – June 7),
Chennai (June 10-18) and Hyderabad (June
22–30) before sailing for home from Mumbai
Port in the first week of July.
In Delhi, one can see the cars at British
Motors (Mar 28-April 1), Apex Auto Gurgaon
(April 2- 7), MGF Mall Gurgaon (April 8-10),
Shiva Motors Noida (April 12-17), Autovikas
(April 18-22), Regent Auto (April 23-27)
and T& T Motors (April 28- May 2).
Powered by a 400-hp, 6.0 Liter LS2 V8 engine,
Corvette C6 has Standard 4-speed automatic
transmission, Optional 6-speed manual transmission,
Active Handling System, Optional Magnetic
Selective Ride Control System, Cloth convertible
top in Black or Light Oak with heated glass
window, Vinyl convertible top in White with
heated glass window and Largest convertible
trunk in its class.
The new Chevrolet SSR, part roadster and
part pickup is considered Pure Joyride –a
vehicle that transforms from a fully enclosed
roadster to convertible in less than 30
seconds. Standard features include a 390-horsepower,
LS2 6.0 Liter aluminium-block V8. An available
six-speed manual transmission. A power retractable
hardtop, cast-aluminium 19-inch front and
20-inch rear wheels. And a rear five-link
rear suspension.
“The year 2004 saw a love affair blooming
between the American legend Chevy and India.
More new and exciting Chevrolet products
specifically designed for the Indian market
are in the pipeline and new initiatives
are afoot to make Chevrolet the most admired
and preferred vehicle brand in India just
like it is in market after market around
the globe,” said Aditya Vij, President and
Managing Director of GM India.
Introduced in India in 2003, under the
banner “For a Special Journey Called Life”,
the Chevrolet brand has been named "The
Best Automotive Brand Of The Year 2004"
by BS Motoring. Chevrolet Tavera, a new-generation
premium multi-utility vehicle (MUV) launched
in 2004 year has won Overdrive’s coveted
"UV of the Year 2005" Award. Chevrolet
flagship model, Optra and Forester AWD have
between them won seven automotive excellence
awards.
The latest Chevrolet product, Tavera,
a multi utility vehicle launched in June
2004, has been reengineered and tailored
for India. Contemporary styling with clear
lens headlamps and tail lamps give the Tavera
a stylish look to match its versatility
and performance, thereby adding to its great
appeal as a family MUV. Branded as the “Comfortable
Family Car”, it’s available in six variants.
Launched in India in late July 2003, the
Chevrolet Optra has emerged as a market
leader in its segment. Penned by world-renowned
Italian design house Pininfarina, it’s a
gracefully proportioned vehicle with a distinctive
European flair. The four-door notchback
luxury sedan is manufactured domestically
by GM India.
The Chevrolet Forester SUV was designed
and is built by Japanese all-wheel-drive
specialist Fuji Heavy Industries, a global
partner of GM. Since its introduction in
India in February 2003, it has proven to
be a very attractive alternative to D-segment
cars and for those looking for a vehicle
with performance-oriented SUV traits.
Chevrolet was established in 1909 by William
Durant, the founder of General Motors and
Louis Chevrolet, a leading race ar driver.
In 1911, the first Chevrolet rolled off
the assembly line. Over the years, Chevrolet
has become and remains one of the best-selling
brands of cars and trucks not only in North
America but also around the world. Last
year, more than 3.5 million Chevrolets were
sold worldwide.
GM India is a wholly owned subsidiary of
General Motors Corporation. Besides the
Chevrolet Optra, GM India manufactures the
Chevrolet Tavera, Opel Corsa, Opel Corsa
Sail and Opel Swing at its facility in Halol,
Gujarat. GM India also sells the imported
Opel Vectra and Chevrolet Forester.