[Bumblebee86]

NEW DELHI: General Motors India, the wholly-owned subsidiary of American car maker General Motors Corporation, is in advanced talks with the world’s leading electric car manufacturing company, Bangalore-based Reva Electric Car Company, for a technical collaboration and a joint venture, executives close to the development said.

GM India will source electric vehicle technology from Reva to roll out electric variants of its Chevrolet Spark small car in India and select overseas markets.

“We have been pursuing opportunities for commercial application of alternative fuel options, including bio-diesel, jatropha arrangement with CSMCRI (Central Salt and Marine Chemicals Research Institute), electric, fuel cell, hydrogen etc, with many parties for quite some time,” said GM India’s vice-president of corporate affairs, P Balendran. “Our efforts are ongoing and we have nothing to announce as of now. As soon as we finalise our plans for introduction of any alternative fuel solutions, we will announce the same,” he added.

The two companies will enter into a 50:50 joint venture (JV), which is currently awaiting the green signal from GM’s Detroit headquarters. If the JV goes through, it will be GM’s first deal since it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The new alliance is another indicator of how much the Indian market means to the Chevy (Chevrolet) brand and the significance of electric vehicles in GM’s growth plans. GM has already indicated that it will introduce the Volt electric vehicle in India in a completely-imported form.

The Reva tie-up is crucial for General Motors because it will offer the cash-strapped Detroit major the chance to source the technology of the future at more competitive rates.

GM has already indicated that e-vehicles are its chosen technology of the future. And it’s not the only one. Ford and Chrysler as well as Japanese auto majors Toyota, Nissan and Honda are all queuing up.

Reva has just announced that it will unveil two new models at the upcoming 63rd Frankfurt International Motor Show. The Reva NXR (next revolution), a sporty two-seater with a targa roof, will go into production in 2011 and the REVA NXG (next generation) will be available from next year.

SOURCE: THE ECONOMIC TIMES

[ph03n!x]

Interesting. How will the Spark be modified- with batteries under the rear seat? Lets see how long it takes to something to come out on the road...

[Bumblebee86]

Press Release

GM India and Reva Announce Electric Vehicle Partnership

New Delhi – General Motors India and Reva Electric Car Company announced today in New Delhi the signing of an agreement to cooperate in the development of electric vehicles for the India market.

GM India and Reva will jointly develop car platforms, electric vehicle technology and advanced vehicle control systems. Their goal is to create and launch an affordable small car for domestic consumers.

"We are pleased to be joining hands with Reva, a leader in the development of electric drivetrains and control systems," said GM India President and Managing Director Karl Slym. "We will also work closely with the government of India, which has expressed a goal of reducing fossil fuel dependence, in the development of an electric vehicle infrastructure. We look forward to giving our customers a new choice of environmentally friendly products."

The two companies have begun feasibility studies of GM's small vehicle platforms to host the electric technology. GM and Reva plan to announce more details about the vehicle soon and begin production in 2010.

Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Reva, said: "We are extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions. Reva and GM India will leverage our companies' strengths to help make India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies. Our unique collaboration has the potential to result in far-reaching changes for the industry."

"Development of small electric vehicles is a growth area for the automotive industry. We expect cooperation with Reva in India to accelerate GM's progress to meet the emerging needs in many parts of the world," said Nick Reilly, President of General Motors International Operations.

GM is pursuing several energy alternatives and advanced technology options to meet the varied needs of customers around the globe. GM believes that electrically driven vehicles, based on battery and hydrogen fuel cell technology, offer the best long-term solution for providing sustainable personal transportation. It will continue its own research and development in this area.

GM recently opened its new Global Battery Systems Lab, which is the largest and most technologically advanced battery lab in the United States. The new lab will lead GM's global advanced battery engineering resources and expedite the introduction of electrically driven vehicles, including the Chevrolet Volt, as well as plug-in hybrid and hybrid-electric vehicles and fuel cell vehicles.

The Chevrolet Volt, which is scheduled to start production in The United States in late 2010 as a 2011 model, is expected to travel up to 40 miles (64 kilometers) on electricity from a single battery charge and be able to extend its overall range to more than 300 miles (483 kilometers) with its flex fuel-powered engine-generator. The Chevrolet Volt uses grid electricity as its primary source of energy to propel the car.

[@400Kph]

Any idea if VOLT is coming to india any time soon ?I mean going by the information available it seems to be a very future proof car !!

[Su-47]

This appears like a very good idea!

Maini's expertise in electric drives and control mated to a *real* car. If they can manage to make an electric-spark and price it reasonably (say within a lakh rupees of the petrol), it could be the new lease of life for GM.

[anekho]

Finally the spark will get some sparks!

This might end up being a great proposition.

[GTO]

Is this a marked change in Reva's strategy? From a maker of a pure-electric car to now also a supplier of electric motors / technology? Either ways, its a win win. Could be an immensely profitable venture for Maini, potentially give them access to a far larger distribution network (not necessarily restricted to India) and possibly, learn a thing or two about mass production. GM in turn is getting a ready powertrain which it could use for exports too (E-Spark to Europe? You betcha!). Will only give the Spark another competitive edge if handled properly. I'm dead sure the upcoming new Reva - with its superior power + range - has impressed GM.

Chetan Maini, Deputy Chairman and Chief Technology Officer of Reva, said: "We are extremely happy that we have found a partner in GM India that shares our passion for reducing carbon emissions. Reva and GM India will leverage our companies' strengths to help make India a global hub for the development and manufacture of electric vehicles and related technologies.

Money changing hands: Lump sum at the time of agreement, followed by a per-car invoice? Maini looking to sell stake in the longer run?

Also, How does this affect GM's own EV technology? After all, they do have the Volt which promises a lot.

[akj53]

I am proud to note that GM, once the largest auto maker in the world, has turned to a small Indian company to source technology. Reva believed in its technology and strengths and continued its lonely journey, without getting any support, tax relief or recognition from our blind, deaf and dumb Government.

Bravo Reva

[amit V8]

what a 'stupid' idea sirji!!! what's next- a fuel cell spark??

but a very good news for REVA, the quality of their offerings will definitely improve. they will have a good setup in the overseas market.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by amit V8

what a 'stupid' idea sirji!!! what's next- a fuel cell spark??

Why stupid? The one factor that's been restricting the Reva's success is how basic the car is. Second is the price. The Spark is a "proper" hatchback while larger volumes will hopefully bring the cost of electric power down.

Not too many really have a problem with the technology, after all how many of us drive more than 60 - 80 kms per day (current range on a single charge). Plus, their latest car is claimed to have a longer range and better acceleration.

[1-Testosterone]

GM India should be given major reliefs by Indian Govt. (in form of tax benefits) as far as their electric vehicles are concerned.
The only problem for India Inc. is to meet the ever increasing demand of electricity.

[jkdas]

Saw the new Reva on TV; too good to be true.

My bet is 2012; we will have tough time selecting a battery powered car. Hope Hyundai lauches the i10 Electric in a year or so.

GM can help REVA with QA and service; la Tata-Fiat.

[tj123]

Govt must give tax soaps to promote environmental friendly technologies.
Such initiatives can reduce the city pollution levels to a great extent.

[anjuna mark]

So what type of batteries do these cars use?
Because my impression was that they used good old 1910 lead acid battery technology; and that after 2 years or so, these batteries need replacing.
Latest technology? green-wash I fear. But hey, we have to start somewhere, so here's wishing the venture success!

[dhrishikesh]

Its really a good thing that GM is interested in REVA so that Reva can have certain advanced options.