General Motors launches Corsa
15 November 1999
The millennium car from the General Motors stable is here. The company's Indian subsidiary has launched the Opel Corsa, a hatchback sedan with features intended for Indian conditions. The Indian launch formed part of the car major's simultaneous Corsa plans for three continents – America, Africa and Asia.
India has a significant place in General Motors' scheme of things. GM's p
resident and chief operating officer G. Richard Wagoner, who launched the car in New Delhi, did not attempt to hide this. He told the gathering: "The all-new Opel Corsa represents a significant milestone for our presence here. If we have to be successful as a global automotive player, we have to be successful in India."
Mr Wagoner said General Motors has spent millions in researching the unique conditions in India to develop and introduce this premium product. The car features the latest German design, but suitably altered to meet the Indian conditions.
The Corsa is a true world car, having sold more than eight million units in 75 global markets, Mr Wagoner said at the launch. He hoped the car's style, performance and reliability will soon make it a preferred vehicle of the Indian people.
The Corsa will roll out of General Motors India's Halol, Gujarat, plant in January 2000, to be in time for the Auto Expo at New Delhi.
The car will be another addition to the crowded lower end of the mid-size luxury car segment in India. Ford, with its Ikon, and Hyundai, with its Accent, are already in the marketplace, competing with Maruti Udyog, Fiat and Daewoo. The Corsa's price will be announced during the Auto Expo, and it will be available for sale in the first quarter of 2000.
