Report - Sub-4 m Chevrolet Beat sedan (codename: MCM) launching in 2017

Aimed at increasing market share and capacity utilization.

Marred by the accumulating losses, GM India is reportedly rethinking its strategy. Economic Times reports that the Indian subsidiary of the American auto giant is planning to introduce a sub-4 metre sedan based on the Chevrolet Beat's M300 platform, and the next gen Beat in 2017.

Codenamed MCM, the compact sedan project is expected to take flight before GM's Global Emerging Market (GEM) platform cars (project Amber) see the light of day. The sub-4 metre sedan would lock horns with the Maruti Dzire, Tata Zest, Honda Amaze, Hyundai Xcent and the upcoming Ford Figo sedan and VW's compact sedan based on the Polo platform.

The sub-4 metre segment is the fastest growing auto sector in India with annual volumes of around 3.5 lakh units. A presence here would greatly help GM India in improving its market share from the current 2.2%.

Technical details of the compact sedan in question is not available as of now but considering that it would be based on the Beat's platform, the 1.2-litre petrol and 1.0-litre diesel engines are expected to be the engine options.

Also read: Chevrolet Sail 3 Sedan unveiled at Guangzhou Auto Show 2014

In addition to the new product, the automaker is also looking to expand its export operations to increase the capacity utilization (just 30% at present) to a decent level. The company has recently started exporting the Beat to Chile and is reportedly studying the feasibility of making India an export base for African and Latin American countries.

[Source: Economic Times]