GM and SAIC microvans to hit India next year

SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Co. (SGMW) will begin assembling microvans in India, which will be exported from China as CKD or completely knocked down kits starting next year. SGMW is a joint venture between China-based Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. and U.S.-based General Motors Corp. The company will first sell two vehicles, CN100 and N200, under the Chevrolet brand. CN100 will be fitted with a 1.2 or 1.4 liter engine and the N200 will have a 1.5 or 1.2 liter engine. Both will be sold at Rs3.15 lakh (US$7,000) upwards. The production of the two vehicles is part of GM’s effort to satisfy the transport requirements of India’s tier-ll centers. SGMW is China’s biggest producer of mini-vans. (September 12, 2011)