Ahmedabad, December 27, 2004: General Motors India today launched the 2005 NY edition of the Chevrolet Optra in Ahmedabad at a function presided over by its President & Managing Director, Mr. Aditya Vij coinciding with the inauguration of its new dealership in the city M/s Gallops Motors. With the opening of the new facility in Ahmedabad, the company has also showcased all its products including the much sought after Multi Utility Vehicle Chevrolet Tavera and the Corsa in the new dealership. It has now 6 outlets in Gujarat including 4 dealerships thus taking the overall tally to 66 sales points and 80 service outlets across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Vij said “we are indeed pleased to have a new facility in Ahmedabad to support the ever expanding number of loyal GM India customers in the region. He said, GM India is in the process of appointing more dealers and authorized service outlets in urban and semi-urban cities to widen its network with the launch of the most sought after multi utility vehicle Chevrolet Tavera which has been described as the comfortable family car for the people of this region. By the end of next year, we intend to put in place 72 sales points and 86 service outlets across the country.

“The New Look Chevrolet Optra launched today represents an extension of GM’s commitment to exceed customer expectations in our products and services. With new styling and additional comfort, convenience, safety and luxury features, our new offering takes India’s entire midsize sedan segment to a new level and raises the bar in terms of value for money in its segment,” said Mr. Vij.

“By making India among the first countries in the world to build and sell the Chevrolet Optra, GM has demonstrated its faith in this market,” Mr. Vij added. “Driving forward, GM will continue to roll out new models to meet the changing tastes and needs of local consumers as part of our pledge to become a leader and a trusted friend of the people of India,” he added.

The New Look 2005 NY edition Optra has been given an exterior as well as interior facelift. These changes are not only in top end variants, but across all variants and are based on the ‘Voice of the Customer’. Among the new exterior features are an American Chevrolet grille, which pays tribute to the heritage of one of the world’s most popular vehicle brands. It also gives the Optra a more international look and a strong, sturdy and stylish front end. New 12-spoke, 15-inch alloy wheels fill up the Optra’s flared wheel arches and add a sporty look. A new exterior colour, the trendy “Mystic Satin,” has been added to the Optra’s palette.

Among the new safety features are dual front air bags and Anti-lock Brake System (ABS) with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD). The ABS prevents wheels from locking during hard braking, helping the driver maintain control.

The new automatic climate control system on the 2005 NY edition Optra allows the customer to effortlessly set his desired level of cooling in the passenger compartment. A rear sunscreen maintains pleasant yet optimum lighting while improving the effectiveness of the air conditioning system. This does away with the need for tinted films on windows.

The 2005 Optra is available in five variants. The high-end Optra comes equipped with a 16-valve DOHC 1.8-liter engine that is characterized by high power and efficiency. The refined engine generates 115 PS of power and 156 Nm of torque. It delivers power smoothly and seamlessly from city to highway cruising speeds. The engine is mated to an equally refined manual transmission. Thanks to revised engine tuning and gear ratios this car is now the most fuel efficient in its segment. Top-end variant of the Optra is also available with an advanced electronic four-speed automatic transmission.

The Chevrolet Tavera being showcased is the new-generation premium multi-utility vehicle (MUV) that comfortably seats up to 10 people. The Tavera offers a fresh new choice in India’s fast-growing MUV segment. It is the ideal vehicle for those looking for a spacious, yet stylish and comfortable ride. A number of special features including larger reinforced tyres and rims, a recalibrated suspension and brakes, and seats and steering wheel adjusted for local users have been incorporated in the Tavera to make it a pleasure to drive on India’s roads. The 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine that powers the Tavera was specifically chosen for its excellent fuel economy and healthy delivery of low-end torque. The engine of Tavera is known internationally for its high levels of reliability.

About the new facility Mr. Vij said, “As part of GM India’s commitment to deliver automobiles that conform to GM global quality standards, this facility signifies our move from single brand to multi-brand manufacturing and retailing. This is part of the effort of General Motors India to provide an opportunity to customers to experience and buy a vehicle of their choice from a wide range of products from its stable.”

“We are proud to be associated with Mr. N.G. Patel to run our multi-brand facility at Ahmedabad. I am confident that under the able leadership and guidance of Mr. N.G.Patel, this dealership will set new levels in customer service and satisfaction, Mr. Vij added. The new dealership at Ahmedabad is one of the many facilities that have been established across the country under the new concept of GM Multi-Brand Franchise to retail the wide range of Chevrolet & Opel brands of cars offered by GM India.

The new dealership is equipped to provide unmatched services and ambience to its customers. A wide range of exclusive accessories will also be on display for customers’ benefit. Additionally a team of GM trained engineers will always be available at the ultra modern workshop with latest garrage tools, diagnostic equipment, ultra modern body repair shop and computerised facilities for attending to every need of the GM customers from the region.

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.