In keeping with the current market slump, where car-makers look for new avenues to increase sales, GM India will roll out its used car retail initiative on January 15, 2009.

Branded as ‘Chevrolet OK’, GM will initially open 10 outlets as part of existing Chevrolet dealers in metros like Mumbai, Delhi and Bangalore.

The company will also be launching LPG version of its small car Spark and CNG version of its sedan Aveo in April and June 2009, respectively.

GM India president and MD Karl Slym told media: “We will provide customers with certified used-cars guaranteed by Chevrolet. The cars will undergo a 110 point check-up and certification.” Mr Slym said that the various expansion plans of GM India will not be impacted by the failure of the $14-billion bailout package that the Big Three—GM, Chrysler and Ford—were expecting from the government back home in the US.

Chevrolet OK, which will deal only in GM’s cars, will be rolled out next month as part of a pilot test. Adds Mr Slym:

“The results should be out by the first half of 2009, after which we will decide expansion plans for Chevrolet OK.” GM has come to realise the advantage of having a used-car business, much like other manufacturers. The organised used-car market in India has grown by over 30% this year.