GM unveils Chevrolet Essentia for launch next year

American car maker General Motor today unveiled its Chevrolet Essentia at the 2016 Auto Expo in Delhi. The vehicle will be launched in 2017, the company said.

''The Essentia headlines Chevrolet's aggressive plan to increase its presence on Indian roads by tackling the fiercely competitive A-segment,'' the auto major said.

The Chevrolet Essentia is based on the platform of current-generation Beat hatchback. The company also showcased Chevrolet Beat Activ, a soft-roader concept based on the same platform.

''The Essentia and Beat Activ were specifically designed to suit the tastes and needs of the discerning Indian consumer while also ensuring strong global appeal, at the GM Korea Design Studio,'' General Motors said.

GM would also be bringing a new multi-purpose vehicle, the Chevrolet Spin, to India 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 calendar 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 India president and managing director Kaher Kazem said, ''GM's transformation in India is clearly reflected in the development of the Chevrolet Essentia and Chevrolet Beat Activ. We are heading into a new era with new-generation products that will catapult the Chevrolet brand in India, giving consumers vehicles that have never been seen in the market.''

GM executive vice president 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.