IAB Report - GM CEO Mary Barra rolls out first export car from Indian plant

12/09/2014 - 09:38 | Chevrolet Beat, Chevrolet | Anjan Ravi

Beat to be exported to Chile initially.

As part of her first visit to India, between September 9-11, GM's CEO, Mary Barra, visited the Talegaon plant to roll out the first ever export car. The car in question is the Chevrolet Beat, which will be made in LHD (left hand drive) specification for export to the Chilean market.

GM CEO Mary Barra and GM India President & Managing Director Arvind Saxena roll out first Chevrolet Beat for export from the GM Talegaon manufacturing facility in Maharashtra — GM CEO Mary Barra and GM India President & Managing Director Arvind Saxena roll out the first Chevrolet Beat for export from the Talegaon manufacturing facility.

GM India had earlier confirmed that they will begin exporting the LHD Beat to Chile later this year, followed by inclusion of more Latin American and African markets later on. The South American market launch of the Chevrolet Beat (or Spark) will take place in the first half of 2015.

Owing to poor sales of Chevrolet's entire lineup in India, the Talegaon plant that is capable of producing 1.7 lakh units of the Beat and Sail twins annually, is not utilized to its full extent. With both plants combined (Halol and Talegaon), last year GM India had utilized just 28 percent of its capacity. The company aims to increase plant productivity by making vehicles for export markets.

Also read: Next Chevy Beat's sister model teased ahead of Paris debut

Further details on Mary Barra's visit to India is available in the press release below.