General Motors to launch notchback Chevrolet Essentia in 2017

Greater Noida: General Motors India on Wednesday at the Auto Expo here announced that it will launch an all-new four-door notchback in 2017 called Chevrolet Essentia.

The new model headlines Chevrolet's plan to increase its presence on Indian roads by tackling the fiercely competitive A-segment with an "exiting new car that recognises the need for a traditional, but richly appointed notchback".

Notchback is a styling term describing a car's body style. The Indian unit of the US-based auto major also showcased a soft-roader concept based on the platform called Chevrolet Beat Active. "We are heading into a new era with new generation products that will catapult Chevrolet brand in India, giving consumers vehicles that have never been seen in the market," said GM India President and Managing Director Kaher Kazem.

The cars are built on the carmaker's earlier promise to launch a new multipurpose vehicle, Chevrolet Spin in 2017. Both the cars will come with state of the art connectivity and technology including Apple Car Play, Android Auto and Chevrolet's latest MyLink infotainment system, he said.

With the introduction of new products, GM is committed to increase the localisation of its vehicles built in India to over 85 per cent within five years while increasing exports from 21,000 units last year to 50,000 in this calender year.

The Essentia and Spin will mark the next wave of exciting new Chevrolet products that will be introduced in the Indian market over the next five years. GM Executive VP and President of GM International Stefan Jacoby said the Indian unit is prepared to grow under a new leadership team along with new investment and all new product strategy. "The firm believes in the long-term potential of the India market," he added.