General Motors India (GMI) announced that it has entered into collaboration with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation (SAIC) to develop and manufacture commercial vehicles (CVs) and other competitive products for India and export markets.

The tie up will give GM India access to mini-commercial vehicles and other products from the stable of GM’s joint ventures in China.

These vehicles will be produced at the company’s Indian manufacturing plants located in Talegaon and Halol alongside GM’s already existing portfolio of models for India and global markets.

The collaboration is expected to be finalised shortly and the car maker believes that the new line-up of products, volume growth and additional export opportunities will create more jobs in India, a company statement said.

‘This is an excellent opportunity for GM India and the tie up will enable us to offer new and exciting products faster and in a greater number of segments to our valued customers in India,’ said GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym.

This will also give the company an opportunity to utilise and expand its manufacturing capacities as it will introduce additional products that are tailored to the needs of local vehicle buyers and local driving conditions, he added.

‘In addition, it will also create more employment opportunities locally and generate additional revenues from exports,’ Mr Slym said.

‘Over the past decade, GM and SAIC have created one of the world’s most successful automotive industry partnerships in China and cooperation in Korea. We look forward to bringing our model for success to India, which is one of the world’s most vibrant emerging vehicle markets,’ said Mr Nick Reilly, GM Executive Vice President and President of GM International Operations.

Earlier in the year GM had announced its collaboration with REVA for introduction of electric vehicles in the market.

Reuters