In July, US automotive giant General Motors announced India as a new global auto manufacturing and export hub entailing an investment of $1billion, while announcing the launch of the Trailblazer SUV and Spin MPV. The Trailblazer is the first model from Chevrolet among the 10 new models to be launched in India in the next five years.

Industry sources have indicated that the Hyundai Creta-rivalling compact SUV is also part of the new models meant for India. The report from Gaadiwaadi indicates Chevrolet commenced work for the compact SUV with the code name GEM-B SUV. The production of the GEM-B SUV is expected to commence in 2018. The launch of the compact SUV is expected at the 2018 Auto Expo.

The Chevrolet GEM-B SUV will be based on a new platform which the company explained while unveiling the Trailblazer and the Spin in July. The platform is expected to generate a compact SUV and compact sedan.

The Chevrolet GEM-B SUV in its production avatar is expected to take design cues from the Adra concept which was showcased at the 2014 Auto Expo. The Adra was developed entirely by Indian designers at the GM Technical Centre  in Bangalore. The Adra concept was welcomed for its high ground clearance, all-round visibility, high seating stance and generous interior space which is spot on for the upcoming Chevrolet SUV when it competes against the Hyundai Creta and the Renault Duster.

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