The seven day auto bonanza, the 2012 Delhi Auto Expo, came to an end yesterday. The automobile event held at New Delhi’s Pragati Maidan has been a resounding success. Most global car manufacturers were seen to lay special emphasis on two segments this season – the first segment was that of the hybrid electric cars, whereas the second segment under focus was that of compact SUVs. Following the unveiling of the Ford EcoSport, the Auto Expo has already been witness to the unveiling of some other compact SUVs as well. As per reports in the markets, GM India is also getting ready to join this bandwagon in the not so distant future.
It seems that General Motors is finding greater interest in tapping the products of its subsidiaries in order to deliver a suitable option for tapping the growing demand of compact SUVs. It seems that the car maker has zeroed in on the Opel Mokka to fit into this segment. GM India is mainly targeting the Ford EcoSport in this segment. However, unlike the card from Ford, the Opel Mokka, which has been designed by Opel, its subsidiary in Germany, is a latest SUV that has been provided with a length more than 4m. The car has been provided with the option of a 1.7L diesel engine, which has the capability of generating a maximum power of 130Bhp. It is also going to be provided with a petrol engine of 1.6L that is going to be available in different tunings. The engines are going to be mated to an automatic transmission six-speed gearbox, which is going to play a role ideal to the requirements of the Indian auto market.
These days none of the car manufacturers do not want to view a segment in the auto industry, in which they have not recorded their presence. GM India has been making a strong impact in the segment of entry-level hatchbacks with cars like the Chevrolet Beat and the Chevrolet Spark. It has also been able to register significant presence in the premium sedan segment with its top-end sedan, the Chevrolet Captiva and also the Chevrolet Cruze. Like most car manufacturers that are operating in the Indian auto market, General Motors has also been able to recognize the growing momentum that the segment of MPV vehicles is registering. Hence, it has worked in collaboration with its partners from China, Wuling and SAIC, to deliver the CN-100, which has been recently unveiled at the Delhi Auto Expo.
It seems that the authorities of General Motors are impressed by this clever step they have taken and have decided to work in the same lines for introducing the Opel Mokka into the Indian auto market. The car is presently being sold in UK markets by Vauxhall, its subsidiary in Britain. This compact SUV, the Opel Mokka, is expected to be showcased at the Motor Show in Geneva this year using its own brand name. The same variant of the car is expected to be launched in the auto market of India sometime late in 2012 or in the beginning of 2013.
