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Daewoo won't strip Matiz

Daewoo Motors India Limited would not introduce a stripped-down version of Matiz though the 796 cc car would be value-packed with new additions and service initiatives from time to time.

''For the Indian market, we have decided to offer only one fully loaded version of the Matiz. However, we are continuously adding more features and value-packing the car, based on customer feedback,'' DMIL Managing Director Shiv Gopal Awasthi said in New Delhi early this week.

Based on customer response, the company had recently added a cover at the rear-end of the car at no extra cost. ''Besides, the service network and other features are being enhanced to give better value for money,'' he added.

The company's decision to come out with a single top-end model of the car was based on an extensive research. ''We intend to be present here with just one version even though the car is available internationally in three variants.''

India, he said, would act as a production and export base for Matiz the world-over. ''We've already targetted east European countries, Romania, the Czech Republic, Egypt and South Africa as export markets for the car.''

This car is expected to steer the company out of the red. Driving in the model, the company expects to come back into the black in the next fiscal.

DMIL is also in the process of hammering out a global strategy under which it will have sourcing alliances with Daewoo Motors' manufacturing facilities across the globe.

The company has a supply agreement for components with its facilities in China and Ukraine. Its other subsidiaries, including facilities in Romania, Uzbekistan, Vietnam and Indonesia, are also being considered.

Such a global alliance will help the company achieve its export obligations.

The company is in the process of chalking out plans for rolling out other new models in the Indian market, including a multi-utility vehicle and a luxury car. ''This is as part of our strategy to be present in all the emerging segments of the automobile industry in India.''

Awasthi stated that the company was presently studying the various models from its stables as probable offerings for the Indian marketplace. However, he refused to divulge any details of the same. Among the various models being considered to address the luxury car segment are Nubira and Leganza.

Daewoo has already decided against introducing the Sangyong range of multi-utility vehicles in India.

UNI

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