GM, Reva in pact to make electric vehicles

United States-based carmaker General Motors on Thursday joined hands with Reva Electric Car Company to develop and produce electric vehicles in the Indian market as part of its plan to make the country a global hub for environment-friendly vehicles.

"We are pleased to join hands with Reva to bring affordable small car platform-based electric vehicles to the market in line with government objectives to reduce fossil fuel dependence," General Motors India, the Indian subsidiary of GM, President and MD Karl Slym told reporters in New Delhi.

GM's ability to develop platforms combined with Reva's capability in developing electric drive-trains and control system will give the Indian consumer a wider choice of electric vehicles, he added.

"We are going to work closely with the central and state governments in India to develop infrastructure for electric vehicles charging and providing specific financial benefits to consumers, who make the choice to adopt an environment friendly mode of personal transport," Slym said.

Speaking about the tie-up, Reva Electric Car Company Deputy Chairman and Chief Technology Officer Chetan Maini said: "Each of the partners will use their strengths, with the aim of making India a global hub for the development and manufacturing of electric vehicles and related technologies."

The two companies have already started the feasibility study of GM's vehicle platforms to produce electric cars and are expected to announce the details in the near future.

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