For the past few months General Motors India (GMI) has been in thye news for something or the other. Even though it could yet not been ascertained whether GM will roll out minivans in India, a fresh rumour has been doing the rounds that the company is looking to retail its models through Carnation Auto, a chain of auto solution hubs run by Jagdish Khattar (ex-Maruti Suzuki MD). Even though the Indian arm of the Detroit auto biggie is denying any such move, ET in its report claims that the company is looking to expand its network through a tie-up with Carnation in areas where a stand-alone dealership or service point is not feasible, citing a sources privy with the news.

Carnation Auto already has auto solutions hubs operational across India in Amritsar, Chennai, Noida, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Kochi - and is in the process of opening more than 30 by end of the year. It will open two more in Hyderabad and Kochi next month. The company is also working on a website to promote its second hand car business.

“Our whole business revolves around alliances with stakeholders in the auto industry with a view to meeting customer needs under one roof. We would welcome alliances with vehicle manufacturers also,” Jagdish Khattar was quoted as saying to ET.

It may be recalled that Carnation Auto has already started forging alliances from various auto and allied organisations like lubricants major Castrol, tyre majors JK and Bridgestone, Asian Paints, design guru Dilip Chhabria’s DC Design and after-sales specialist 3M, etc for retailing their products. On 21st September'09, has announced an exclusive tie-up to launch complete customisation solutions and semi-customisation kits across the country, to be made available exclusively through Carnation’s nationwide hubs network. These solutions will answer the need for distinct identity, space, privacy, comfort, entertainment and utility. Additionally, these customisation options will receive personalised attention at Carnation’s world-class car care backup network anywhere in the country.

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