The first two products from the GM – SAIC JV the Sail premium hatchback and the MPV Concept were unveiled at the 11th AutoExpo in New Delhi.

GM India President and Managing Director Lowell Paddock at the unveiling of the Sail hatchback and the MPV

General Motors India unveils the Chevrolet Sail hatchback at the AutoExpo 2012General Motors India unveils the Chevrolet MPV Concept at the AutoExpo 2012

“The introduction of the Sail hatchback and MPV Concept demonstrates our commitment to take advantage of the global resources of GM and our partners in India for India,” said GM India President and Managing Director Lowell Paddock. “The two products have been tailored for local market conditions and the need of local consumers for economical, user-friendly personal transportation.”

The Chevrolet Sail, has been worked on by engineering at the GM Technical Center in Bangalore for the last year and a half to ensure the Sail and other vehicles built on the platform meet requirements of the Indian market and the buyer. The design of the Sail is typically the new Chevy and looks good. The Sail can seat upto five people, is spacious, airy and bright, with Chevrolet’s dual-cockpit design. The sporty instrument panel with chrome-plated accents contains a radio, CD player and music Aux-in interface.

Chevrolet SailChevrolet Sail : Rear 3/4

A centrally placed fuel tank and short front and rear overhangs maximizes the interior space. Its high roof design offers good headroom even for taller passengers. A series of storage spaces provides room for passengers to stow their belongings.

The Sail hatchback will be powered by GM India’s latest Smartech engines, which present an excellent combination of high power, high fuel efficiency and low emissions. Both gasoline and diesel engines will be offered.

In line with Chevrolet’s global focus on safety, the Sail hatchback features safety cage body construction supported by the extensive use of high-strength steel. The fuel tank is protected by steel beam-rolling ribs, ensuring the utmost safety for driver and passengers.

The Sail and the MPV Concept will be tested extensively in India and the Sail is expected to go on sale later this year.

Chevrolet MPV Concept : Front 3/4

The MPV Concept is a multi-purpose vehicle, engineered for the MPV B segment in India with flexi-seating and a choice of seven or eight seats.

Chevrolet MPV Sail : Side Chevrolet MPV Sail : Side  01Chevrolet MPV Sail : Front 3/4Chevrolet MPV Sail : Rear 3/4

British automaker Lotus worked with the GM Technical Center – India for more than a year and a half to tune the chassis. Safety was given paramount importance in the development of the MPV Concept. High-strength and ultra-high-strength steel are used in the body and chassis.

“The Chevrolet Sail hatchback will be a strong addition to GM’s mini-car portfolio in India,” Paddock said. “It will bring a new sense of vitality to the biggest, fastest-growing and most competitive segment in the domestic passenger car market.”