GM and LG Together To Build Electric Cars

General Motors Co. and LG Corp will jointly work together to develop electric cars. A historical deal signed by two leading automakers in the world in promise to create revolution in battery technology.

The deal was signed by GM Chief Executive Daniel Akerson and LG President Juno Cho and in a joint statement the companies said they would design a range of electric vehicles that would be sold in markets around the world.

LG Corp's LG Chem Ltd currently supplies the lithium-ion batteries that power GM's Chevrolet Volt and Opel Ampera plug-in hybrids.

Recently GM confirmed it was developing a plug-in hybrid for its luxury Cadillac brand. They also said they are developing an all-electric small car that would be sold globally.

GM and LG collaborated to build a demonstration fleet of Chevy Cruze small cars that were used at the G20 economic summit in Seoul.

"This is a strategic development for LG and we fully support GM's goal to lead the industry in the electrification of the automobile," LG's Cho said in a statement.

"Electric vehicles are going to have to play a role in the really draconian cuts that have to made in terms of fuel consumption," he adds.

General Motors Plans To Open 50 Outlets In Smaller Towns

General Motors India is planning to open around 50 outlets in the smaller towns and non-metros across the country aiming to spread their business. There is a huge demand of passenger cars and commercial vehicles in smaller towns and to tap this emerging big market General Motors India may introduce around 50 new outlets in the suburb by this year.

Presently General Motors have 250 outlets in India and 40% of the sales are coming from smaller cities. As per Karl Slym (President and Managing Director of General Motors India) they have observed that in general rural people do not depend on bank loans or financial schemes to buy cars, they pay the amount from their profitable share due to satisfactory monsoon conditions. Therefore General Motors want to offer easy and accessible option for rural guys to come and buy the car from nearby outlets and avoid going far cities to buy the same.

The car sale in small cities and towns is expected to increase upto 70% than this year. General Motors India sold 1.1 lakh units of cars Last year but this year they are expecting to atleast 1.4 lakh units of cars.

General Motors India to introduce their most acclaimed hatchback, Chevrolet Beat Diesel into the European market. Currently the car is manufactured in India and exported to countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, Bhutan and Sri Lanka.

Toyota is No. 3, behind General Motors and Volkswagen

After slipping to the third position in global vehicle sales from number one position Toyota Motor Corp. Is hopeful to get revived and retain the leading position once again. Toyota is busy in checking the marketing plans to revive its position. And for Indian venture they are saying its going in the right direction and will retain the market very soon.

Toyota’s production badly hit due to March earthquake and tsunami in Japan and they have able to sold only 3.7 million vehicles globally in the first half of 2011 with 11% down than last year.

General Motors Co. leading the current market with 4.5 million vehicles sold and Volkswagen is in number two position with 4.13 million vehicles sold.

Chevrolet Beat will be launched in India on July 25

General Motors India are planning to launch of diesel version of its Chevrolet Beat in the Indian market on July 25.  

"With fluctuation in fuel prices in India from time to time, the new diesel Beat, the prices of which will be announced at the launch will revolutionise the small car segment, with its engine capacity and fuel economy," Karl Slym President & MD, General Motors India, brief media about their plan.

General Motors sold about 1.1 lakh cars last year in India and aiming for a 30% increase in sale this year. Currently the company is having 250 outlets in India and by the end of this year they are expected to have 300 outlets and able to cover many rural areas of India.

“We have so far invested USD 1.5 billion in India. Another USD 250 million each would be pumped in both the manufacturing plants in another one and a half years.” Karl Slym said.