Chevrolet Optra Magnum production stopped, say dealers!

There are rumors that production of the Chevrolet Optra Magnum has been stopped. CarToq spoke with two dealers (Mumbai and Chennai) who stated that production of the Magnum was stopped in April 2012 and that they have only a handful of cars in stock.

When CarToq contacted a GM spokesperson this news was rubbished and we were told that the Optra Magnum is very much available in the market. But with just 3 cars sold in May 2012, it won’t be a surprise if GM phases out the Optra Magnum in the coming weeks.

A few weeks ago, one of Chevrolet’s top officials hinted that to avoid cannibalization, the Aveo and Aveo U-VA models may be phased out once the Sail hatchback and sedan hit the market by September 2012.

Chevrolet commenced its second innings in India with the launch of the Optra Magnum in 2003. The Optra Magnum is an entry-level sedan that is positioned between the Aveo sedan and the Cruze premium saloon in Chevrolet’s Indian portfolio. The Optra Magnum is offered in both petrol and diesel engines. The Optra Magnum petrol is powered by a 1.6-litre motor that puts out 103 Bhp while the Optra Magnum diesel is powered by a 2.0-litre motor that puts out 125 Bhp of power. The Chevrolet Optra Magnum is offered in the price range of Rs. 7.47 lakh – Rs. 9.55 lakh and competes with cars such as Honda City and Hyundai Verna.

The sales of Optra Magnum have been dwindling in the last couple of months. The following table shows the monthly sales numbers of Optra Magnum.

[table id=933 /]

Do you think the Optra Magnum has to be phased out? Please leave your comments below.