Made-in-India Essentia and new Beat will be exported only

• Published On: 19 May 2017
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Indian market launches cancelled after GM’s pullout.

Chevrolet had lined up as many as three new cars to launch in India - these plans have since been shelved since General Motor’s decision to pull out of the Indian market. This move effectively puts an end to all ongoing production, marketing and after-sales preparation for future cars.

The updated Beat has a more modern face and a premium interior with features like Chevrolet’s MyLink touchscreen infotainment system. Engines were likely to include three-pot motors – the current car’s 1.0-litre diesel and a new 1.0-litre petrol. Other products in the pipeline, which now won’t make it here, are the Beat Activ, a crossover version of the Beat hatchback, and the Beat Essentia sedan. The latter, which is a compact sedan that the company showcased at the 2016 Auto Expo, was based on the new Beat and expected to be positioned in the same space as the Tata Tigor.

These models will continue to be manufactured in India though - the company plans to make its factory at Talegaon an export hub for Mexico and the Central and South American markets. These cars have already launched in markets abroad, spare for the Essentia, which is expected to follow soon.