General Motors India targets to sell over three lakh cars in the current year. This was claimed here today by General Motors (GM) India vice-president, marketing and sales, Sumit Sawhney after inaugurating the fifth showroom of Chevrolet, its most popular brand, in the city.

Stating that GM India with its over 6.5 per cent market share in country's passenger car segment is the four largest player in the automible sector, Mr Sawhney said last year they had sold more 1.11 lakh different cars in India which was about 45000 more than the previous year.

He said inspite of some stress experienced by the Indian automobile sector during the last few month because of hike in petrol and diesel prices, bank interest rate and food inflation they were confident of selling more than three lakh units in the current year.

He said this was possible not only due to launch of a number of fuel efficient cars by the company, but also because of the tremendous growth potential of the Indian market following burgeoning elite middle class.

Asked about plan for launch of the new products, Mr Sawhney said apart from introducing the diesel model of Beat, four diesel version of SUVs were in pipeline for their launch during the next 18 month or so.

About their expansion plan, Mr Sawhney said after having two state-of-the-art product units in Halol in Gujrat and Talegoan, near Pune in Maharastra, they had set up separate unit to manufacture smarttech flexi engine for the GM cars.

A total amount of 1 billion dollar has so far been invested by GM India for these purposes, he said.

About the scenario in the eastern region, Mr Sawhney describing the eastern market as one of the fastest growing markets, said last year only they had sold 13000 cars in West Bengal and other eastern states. This year the number was likely touch figure of 25000 or more, he said replying to a related query.