Though global analysts are suggesting that General Motors GM may have to shed as many as 61,000 jobs as an immediate consequence of filing for US Chapter 11 Bankruptcy,GM India says its dealerships and all 4,000 of its employees have no cause for concern and nor it would appear should their customers as models such as the Captiva continue to have a two-month waiting period for delivery.
P Balendran,vice-president,GM India said,No,we will not be shedding any jobs. All our employees are safe. We are not part of the Chapter 11 Bankruptcy. GM India is a separate entity and a part of New GM.
Balendran thinks that sales could only really go up for the industry when the liquidity position improves and interest rates marginally decline in the coming months. The Spark and Captiva continue to grow in terms of sales over their 2008 numbers. The company will also be proceeding with its new product launch lineup for 2009 as per schedule.
In its 14 years of established operations in this country,GM India has invested over Rs 5,000 crore to create a manufacturing capacity of 2,25,000 vehicles per annum through its plants in Halol,Talegaon,Bangalore and Gurgaon. We are deeply committed to this market,our customers,suppliers,dealers and all other stakeholders. We are not going anywhere and we are here to stay for the long term, said Karl Slym,president and MD.