US-based General Motors plans to launch 40 new products in international markets including India, where it is focusing on a turnaround.
“In Europe we will be launching 27 new Opel models between this year and 2018. In the US from 2013-14, we have launched 32 new vehicles. In China, with our partners, we have introduced new or upgraded 17 models this year and in international operations, including India, we have 40 new products,” General Motors CEO Mary Barra told reporters here.
However, she did not give any timeframe for the launches in India. On the significance of the Indian market, Barra said: “Indian market is very very important when you look at the fact that many are predicting that by 2020 timeframe it would be the third largest market behind the China and the US. A very significant market, I see a lot of opportunity here from the market perspective.”
She added that to succeed in India the company requires to come out with great vehicles.“It starts with putting customer at the centre. When you look at customer in India they got great choices. So to win in this market we need to make sure we come at the market place with great vehicles, that are not only safe, are of highest quality but are also dutifully designed and with right features so that they distinguish themselves,” Barra said.
General Motors has been in India since 1996 and has invested about a billion dollars so far in the country. When asked bout the lessons learnt in the Indian market, Barra said: “We have learnt a lot that gives us a lot of foundation to build on as we look to the future. At General Motors our goal is clear, we want to be highly respected, valued auto company globally.
“To demonstrate that you need to demonstrate years after year of growth and frankly if you are not in Indian market it makes it very difficult.”Reiterating the importance of new launches in the Indian market, Barra said: “Right here in India about 75 per cent of our sales are new or majorly redesigned products, we know that is our lifeline here”.