GM to launch E-Spark by year-end

In this Jan. 7, 2010 file photo, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit with Mr. Karl Slym, President and MD, GM India (left) unveiling the plug-in electric car 'e-Spark' in New Delhi. Photo: Ramesh Sharma

Automobile major, General Motors, on Friday said that it would launch the electric version of its small car ‘Spark’ in the Indian market this year-end.

“We are set to launch our electric car, E-Spark, by the end of this year in India,” GM Motors’ Marketing Director, Gaurav Gupta, said here.

“It will be an electric version of our small car Spark and will be the first four-door passenger car in the world in this segment,” he said.

Considering the extra cost incurred on electric engines, Mr. Gupta said that the E-Spark’s price may be a little higher than the Spark.

“The acquisition price may be slightly higher. But the operating costs will be very low,” he said.

The company is entering into the Light Commercial Vehicle (LCV) segment as well this year, he said. The vehicles would be produced by the joint venture formed with a Chinese company, SAIC.

When asked if there was any plan to export engines to China, Mr. Gupta said that the company would look at all business opportunities allowed by the laws of both countries.

As a global company, we will not miss any opportunity. If the norms prevailing in both countries allow, we will look at export of engines,” he said.

GM is expecting to sell one lakh units in India this year, Mr. Gupta added.