New Delhi: General Motors India's latest offering, the Chevrolet Tavera, a new-generation premium multi-utility vehicle (MUV) that comfortably seats up to 10 people has received an overwhelming response from buyers across India in the country's fast-growing MUV segment.

So much so that to meet the growing demand for its third vehicle bearing the Chevrolet nameplate, GM India has started a third shift at its facility in Halol, Gujarat. Over 500 cars have been delivered after commencement of delivery on 16th of this month. Over 3000 vehicles have been booked for delivery until August. The company has had to stop bookings beyond August due to production constraints despite ramping up production.

"As expected, the Tavera is turning out to be as popular in India as it is in other parts of the world thanks to the many engineering changes and build quality that were carried out to meet local customer requirements. We believe that the Chevrolet Tavera is just the right product for India," said GM India Vice President (Corporate Affairs), Mr. P. Balendran. The Tavera has received the thumbs up from both customers and the media. Besides rave reviews in the press describing it as an excellent package in terms of value proposition and product attributes, the customers who have taken delivery of the cars are also absolutely excited and upbeat about the performance and attributes of the vehicle, Mr. Balendran added.

Customers are also very excited with an industry first 5 years/ 150,000 kms Introductory Warranty on its 2.5-litre turbo diesel engine known for its excellent fuel economy and healthy delivery of low-end torque. This reinforces and demonstrates GM India's confidence in this product and therefore customers looking for an MUV with car like comfort will have no hesitation to go in for Tavera with its assured performance.

In another industry first for a global vehicle manufactured in India, GM India achieved 85 percent localization on job one for the Tavera. This resulted in competitively pricing the product thereby offering an excellent package in terms of product attributes. GM India's goal is 93 percent localization by the end of 2004 to let the customer enjoy a lower cost of ownership through lower part prices and the ready availability of parts. .

In preparation for the launch of the Tavera, GM India had upgraded and expanded its dealer network with most facilities adopting the state-of-the-art "3S" integrated facility norms.

Two other Chevrolet products sold in India have won laurels for GM India. The Chevrolet Optra midsize sedan and Chevrolet Forester SUV have won seven major automobile awards between them over the past year. The Optra was named BBC World "Wheels" Car of the Year, BBC World "Wheels" Viewers Choice, and Best Car in its Segment. The Forester was named CNBC Autocar - Viewers Choice and Best Value for Money, CNBC Autocar - Best Drivers Car, and BS Motoring - Import Car of the Year.

The Chevrolet Optra has quickly emerged as the sales leader in its segment, having captured a 31 percent share in the first five months of this year.

GM India is a wholly owned subsidiary of General Motors Corporation. Besides the Chevrolet Tavera and Optra, GM India manufactures the Opel Corsa, Corsa Sail and Swing at its facility in Halol, Gujarat. GM India also sells the imported Opel Vectra in addition to the Chevrolet Forester.