General Motors will build electric cars for the Indian market
GM (General Motors) announced to make electric cars for the Indian market on September 24, 2009 manufactured by the Reva Indian car company, specializing in this segment, in order to market them in China.
The executive director of GM's arm in India, Karl Slym, explained that this initiative is taken "in line with the government targets to reduce dependence on fossil fuels". He also said that, "we will work closely with the Indian central government and regional authorities in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicles and provide financial benefits to the consumers".
President of General Motor's international operations, Nick Reilly described electric cars as "an area of growth in the global auto industry" and hoped that cooperation with General Motors Reva will serve to "accelerate their progress and changing needs in many parts of the world".
For Reilly, these cars represent "the best long term solution to provide sustainable private transport".
Reva Company launched its first electric car model in 2001.
GM's announcement comes just a day after Ford said that in early 2010, we will launch first small utility car to the Indian market, officially named as Ford Figo. Ford also said that our new Figo will target the Indian market.
Both initiatives focus on the segment of small commercial vehicles. Auto companies are in agreement with these initiatives because the Indian car market has a large number of users willing to make a payment for having a car, but the cost should not be very high.
The most notable example of these types of initiatives of vehicles in this segment is the Tata Nano, which also known as the "world's cheapest car" (with low-end model starting from rupees 1 lakh.
The Indian automobile industry has been among the hardest hit by the international financial crisis, especially during the first few months, with a significant decline in auto sales because of the lack of liquidity and lending, so these initiatives by global players like Ford and GM will boost the sales of the Indian car sector.
Do you think that GM will able to launch an electric car below 4 lakhs in India
Also have a look on GM Voltec Electric Propulsion System Drive
More information on GM's major step for manufacturing electric cars for India
- G.M. in Agreement to Develop an Electric Car for India - Wheels Blog - NYTimes.com
G.M. India and the Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company have reached an agreement to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market. - Indian Automobile News - GM, Reva plan to make electric car for India
M, Reva plan to make electric car for India, The firms have been collaborating for 10 months and have also created test models of the new.... - GM India partnering Reva for electric car | Business News | Reuters
NEW DELHI (Reuters) - General Motors Co's Indian unit is partnering local firm Reva Electric Car Co to develop electric vehicles for the Indian market, and hopes to start selling a battery-operated small - GM electric car to arrive in 2010 - MotorAuthority
The race for an all-electric vehicle from the major carmakers is on, and General Motors has lept off the blocks first with its claim to have an electric vehicle in production by 2010. Vice Chairman Bob Lutz admits the only factor holding GM back from - The REVA Electric Car Company
Makes Reva two door hatchback; 2 adults, 2 children; top speed: 65 kmph, range: 80 km. India's first electric car (EV), to be produced by the Maini Group.
Have you seen GM's 2010 electric car? Do you think it will improve sales for Indian car maket?
GM is big company and i think they can make it soon
we will see soon new car in market
- AUTHOR
Yes electric cars will not release any pollution that is hazardous for the environment plus over some time period these cars will become common and less costly.
Small and efficient electric cars will be good for the environment.
- AUTHOR
Yes it might be possible. You are right ocbill.
maybe it will be introduced in the states too. althoug with moreoil discovery in the gulf of mexico, Americans will be satisfied to keep running gas hard for performance and reasons of habit.
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot Veronica, Kmadhav, and agusfanani for your comments.
Plus agusfanani, I am answering your question in my next hub which I will publish today titled "how to build an electric car" and you will be able to know how electric car works.
Does the electric car depends its power on home electricity or converting sun rays through solar cell ?
Yes this is good step to reduce the dependence from fossil fuels. We should save these worthy fuels for future. In India especially Delhi alone has largest vehicles in India. A plan to keep the clean and green environment.
I think it's a smart move to make. In addition to it being better for the enviroment, it will be more economical as well. Time will tell whether it will work or not.
- AUTHOR
Thanks a lot Nilum. I think you are from India. If yes, then what do you think about this. Do you believe that the Indian auto sales will rise above again like in previous years with the introduction of electric and hybrid cars in the Indian Car Market?
Good Hub
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