SANGAM

Chevrolet's Beat and Hyundai’s Sonata
SANGAM PRASAIN
JULY 01 -
Two new car models -- one a sporty hatchback and the other a sedan -- were launched in the Nepali market on Monday. Vijay Motors, sole distributor of General Motors for Nepal, unveiled the much awaited Chevrolet Beat while Laxmi Intercontinental, one of Hyundai's authorised distributors, rolled out the all-new Sonata.

In Nepal's predominantly small car market, the arrival of the Beat, described by the company as being spirited, stylish, aggressive and bold, has given much needed variety to customers.

The 1199 cc DOHC engine Beat is equipped with automatic climate control, integrated centre stack audio with USB and aux-in port, tilt steering and satin silver roof rails. It is available in three trim levels of 1.2, 1.2LS and 1.2LT.

The Beat, known as the best mileage car in its segment, comes with 14-inch wheels that give better ground clearance, highly spacious interior, USB port, auxiliary port and roof rails.

Available in seven colours -- Olympic White, Linen Beige, Caviar Black, Misty Lake, Moroccan Blue, Green Cocktail and Super Red -- the Beat has an anti-lock braking system which is a rare feature in mini-cars.

As part of the launch offer, Vijaya Motors has provided a special 10-day offer on the Beat that includes free basic accessories such as music system, number plate, speaker and carpet; three-year or 45,000 km free maintenance including engine oil and three-year or 100,000 km warranty. The company will also pay the registration fee and road tax for a year under the special offer.

Hyundai's all-new Sonata adopts its new "fluidic sculpture" design language and boasts outstanding performance with segment-leading safety and fuel efficiency.

Available in two different models -- GL and GLS -- the Sonata delivers powerful performance through its 2.0 litre Theta II MPI (multi point injection) petrol engine. The new Sonata has the highest fuel economy in its segment which stands at 10 km per litre.

The Sonata GL has 16-inch alloy wheels, dual airbags, anti-lock braking system, keyless entry, steering audio control, high mount stop lamp, electric outside mirror with folding auxiliary and USB port and air conditioner.

Along with all the features of the GL, the Sonata GLS has some additional features like 17-inch alloy wheels, amplitude selective damper, electronic stability control, driver and passenger power seat, active headrest, leather seats, auto light control, audio display, rear parking assist system, rain sensor, automatic air conditioner and panoramic sunroof.

The Sonata's electronic stability control (ESC) is designed to help keep your vehicle going right where you want it to in slippery conditions.







Chevrolet Beat

1.2 Rs 1.84 million

1.2 LS Rs 1.92 million

1.2 LT Rs 2.10 million

1.2 LT (with options) Rs 2.27 million





Hyundai Sonata

Sonata GL Rs 4.49 million

Sonata GLS Rs 5.09 million







Beat is a gorgeous looking brand new car

Karl Slym

Karl Slym is president and managing director of General Motors India.



Tell us about the Beat.

The Beat is a gorgeous looking brand new car of General Motors India. Even though it was good global car, we made some changes considering road conditions in Nepal and India. Over the last 18 months, we've made some changes on its suspension to have better ground clearance, also on its transmission and its engine calibration.



How has Nepal been for General Motors?

With the Beat, we now have all the brands under the Chevrolet portfolio in Nepal. Now customers can choose from the Spark, Beat, Aveo U-Va, Aveo, Optra, Captiva to Cruze. As of now, we're at No. 5 in Nepal's automobile market and very pleased with our growth. We've introduced three new cars, the Cruze, Capitva and now Beat. Now, we've to make sure these cars are known in Nepal and get growth in Nepal.



When was the Beat launched in India? How has it been faring in the Indian market?

We launched the Beat in India this January at the Delhi Motor Show. It is doing very well. We manufacture it in our Pune plant. Due to growing demand, we are starting a second shift for its production.



Where is General Motors in India?

As in Nepal, we're at No. 5 in India also. But we're the fastest growing name plate in India. This year, till this date, we've grown by over 120 percent, whereas the Indian automobile industry is growing by 40 percent.

This year, we'll double our sales of last year. We've already sold more than 100,000 Sparks in India. Hence, we're the brand that is making noise in India. And, I don't see why there is any reason we can't make the same kind of noise in Nepal.





Sonata pursues a younger and sensuous image

Rupesh Sharma Bhatta

Rupesh Sharma Bhatta is senior manager, Business Development and Planning at Laxmi Intercontinental.

Tell us about the new Sonata.



The Sonata is our premium product in the car segment. The new Sonata pursues a younger and sensuous image in its interior and exterior profiles. Currently, we have two variants of the Sonata, the Sonata GL and the Sonata GLS.

The GL costs Rs 4.49 million while the GLS costs Rs 5.09 million. With the incorporation of state-of-the art technologies, the new Sonata is expected to further elevate the image of the Hyundai brand.



What is the market share of Hyundai in Nepal? When did Laxmi Intercontinental become associated with Hyundai?

Hyundai vehicles have a substantial presence in the Nepali market. Hyundai is one of the leading brands in the small car segment. Laxmi Intercontinental started selling Hyundai vehicles in Nepal from early 2009.



Has Laxmi Intercontinental made a presence across Nepal? How many showrooms do you have?

Currently, we have two showrooms in the Kathmandu Valley and 11 elsewhere in the country. We have a presence in Pokhara, Narayanghat, Butwal, Bhairahawa, Birgunj, Hetauda, Birtamod, Damak, Biratnagar, Dharan and Dang through our dealers.



What other services are you providing to your customers apart from sales?

We provide 12 free servicings for up to three years and a three-year or 60,000 km warranty. We provide after sales service through our service centres at Basundhara and New Baneshwor. Our service centres are equipped with the latest equipment and trained technicians, and we also maintain an adequate inventory of spare parts.