GM launches Opel Corsa, Astra 2000 in Chennai

By Our Corporate Reporter

CHENNAI, FEB. 5. General Motors India launched the millennium car ``Opel Corsa" and the improved version ``Opel Astra 2000'' here today.

Addressing presspersons on the occasion, Mr. Richard C. Swando, President and Managing Director, General Motors India, said the company had recognised the tremendous business potential in the southern region and hoped the launch would enable them to consolidate their position in the region.

He said the Corsa had been customised to meet the specific Indian road and driving conditions. Targeted at the style conscious, upwardly mobile families, it was an ideal city car equipped with standard features to ensure comfort travel. It had been well received at the recent Auto Expo in New Delhi. He said the company would continue in its efforts to roll out new models to face the competition. Asked about the introduction of small cars he did not rule out the possibility.

Even the base model 1.4 GL (standard version) of the Corsa is equipped with power steering, central locking, airconditioning and other exclusive features and the price is Rs. 5.35 lakhs (ex- showroom Delhi). In Chennai the ex-showroom price is Rs. 5.83 lakhs. The other two variants are 1.4 GLS and 1.6 GLS priced at Rs. 6.32 lakhs and Rs. 7.01 lakhs respectively. Order acceptance of Corsa will start from February 7.

Mr. Rajeev Chaba, Vice President (marketing), said the improved Astra 2000 had been designed to target customers seeking the ultimate in comfort and luxury. The car has a more powerful engine, new transmission and tropicalised air conditioning system.``Taking the cue from customers, General Motors had gone in for a `price feature' rationalisation and had introduced three distinct variants - Astra Advantage, Astra Gli and Astra Club,'' Mr. Chaba said.

The Astra Advantage with power steering, central locking, power windows, power side mirrors and electric rear defoggers is priced at Rs. 7.10 lakhs (ex-showroom Delhi) and is competitive with similar models of other manufacturers.

He said GM India had adopted a straddle pricing strategy to combat competition through efficient benchmarking to increase the appeal for all its three variants. Due to substantial localisation, GM had succeeded in bringing down the price of frequently used spare parts by 15-40 per cent. This coupled with the two year warranty would reduce the cost of ownership of Astra models by 20 per cent, he said. The indigenous content in Astra models is 69 per cent while for the Corsa it will be 50 per cent in the first year itself.

GM has sold over eight million cars in 75 international markets with a 15.7 per cent market share in the world vehicle market. In the Asia Pacific region, it has 4.1 per cent market share and expects to capture 10 per cent share in this region by 2004.

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