GM to go rural, to enter smaller markets with more sales outlets

Plans of exporting the Beat diesel to Europe also on cards

Written by: Oncars India

Published: August 15, 2011, 11:34 AM IST

https://www.india.com/car-and-bike/latest-news/news-cars/gm-to-go-rural-to-enter-smaller-markets-with-more-sales-outlets-3312466/

General Motors is gearing up to tackle the slowdown in car sales by entering the tier III and smaller towns. With the launch of the Beat diesel, GM is sure that the car will spell success in the rural markets if the cars are made readily available.

According to GM India President and MD Karl Slym, the sales constituted of 60 per cent from the metros and 40 percent from non-metros few years back. But with times, the numbers too are changing with figures being reversed and the non metros are proving to be a bigger market. With better penetration into the rural market, the sales could touch close to 70 per cent from the non-metros and rural market.GM currently has close to 250 outlets all over India and plans on adding another 50 outlets in smaller towns to add up to the sales.

GM is now also planning on exporting the Beat diesel to European market as well. The Beat Diesel which was specifically made for India to cater the needs of the diesel small car buyers also happens to be the smallest diesel engine made by GM worldwide. With exports already catering to Sri Lanka, Bhutan, Nepal and Bangladesh, The European nations could soon follow as the market share of diesel cars in Europe has jumped to 55.3 percent from previous years 50.1 per cent and smaller diesel engine are proving to be the need of the hour.