Executive Motors launches Chevrolet vehicles in Seychelles |01 August 2007
Chevrolet, or “Chevy” as it is known worldwide, is America's No.1 selling automotive brand and has over the past several years been one of the fastest-growing brands in the world, with 4.3 million vehicles sold worldwide in 2006. In the region, Chevrolet is extremely popular in neighbouring countries such as Mauritius, South Africa, Singapore, India and United Arab Emirates.
The launch of Chevrolet in Seychelles is taking place this week with a series of media adverts and a line-up of models that is on public display at the main Executive Motors offices based at the VCS Building at Le Chantier.
According to its General Manager, Mr Gilbert Lebon, Executive Motors has received a lot of interest in the brand and has already sold most of the consignment that has arrived.
“Our aim is to offer more choice to the Seychellois consumer, starting with a line-up of small fuel-efficient hatchbacks, to sub-compact sedans, station wagons, family-sized hatchbacks, luxurious SUVs (Sports Utility Vehicle) and finally rounding it off with the best pick-up trucks in the world,” says Mr Lebon.
“Chevrolet is all about offering a quality brand at an affordable price,” Mr Lebon adds.
“For example, the entry-level Aveo 1.2-litre hatchback with standard ABS, alloy wheels and fog lights is larger and more spacious than most other small cars in Seychelles but retails from only SR138,000. The Aveo 1.5-litre sub-compact sedan model is a powerful vehicle suitable for families, and comes complete with options such as alloy wheels and yet costs less than SR220,000, tax and GST included,” Mr Lebon says.
Other models to be introduced include the Chevrolet Optra which is a high quality and spacious modern car that comes in three versions -- the sedan, hatchback and station wagon -- all sharing solid engineering, highlighted by a lively dual overhead cam engine and four-wheel disc brakes.
At an affordable price, the powerful 1.6-litre Optra is a great choice for private and commercial use. With over 500 litres of cargo capacity, the Optra Station wagon is ideally suited for the local taxi business as well as restaurants.
Last but not least is the flagship of the Chevrolet family, the Captiva - an all-new designed SUV. Contemporary styling, plenty of power and a flexible interior make the Captiva a real challenger in the SUV market. It is an economical passenger and family SUV that can carry up to seven people with ease. The Captiva’s top model features a sun-roof as well as a luxurious leather interior with an onboard computer. Petrol models are available with 2.4-litre or 3.2-litre engines while the more economical diesel version sports a powerful 2.0-litre engine.
As for the much anticipated line of Chevrolet pickup trucks, Mr Lebon explains that due to exceptionally high demand from Asia and Middle-East countries, the African and Indian Ocean region would only be able to place factory orders in the next couple of months and that Executive Motors would advise the public accordingly.
He also adds that service on the Chevrolet vehicles are carried out using a computer with special diagnostic software, and that the company had already procured the equipment and that one of its technicians had already completed the overseas service training course.
“Chevrolet is an American icon and part of the General Motors family,” Chairman Marc Houareau explains, “and we are very proud to be associated with this great motor car company. We invite everyone to come and see the cars on display and take one for a test ride,” he adds.
It is to note that today is the last day that the different models will be on display for public viewing.
Contributed