Speaking at a press conference to launch the automatic transmission Astra in the Capital on Saturday, Richard C Swando, president and managing director GMI, said: "We are working on the pricing strategy of the Corsa to see which variant of the car will be competitive in the Indian market". "We have to position the car between two broad categories - the Maruti 800 cc and Telco 1400 cc Mint. The small car is our top priority for the Indian market now and we are actively looking at it,'' he said.

The Automatic Transmission Astra is priced at Rs 8.08 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi), while the World Cup Special Edition, which was also launched, will be available at Rs 8 lakh. The Opel Automatic has a contemporaryfour-speed, three-mode electronically controlled transmission for a better fuel economy and more driving ease. The three unique driving mode are: econo (mixes speed and power with fuel efficiency, safe (minimises chances of traction loss on slippery surface) and sports (faster acceleration). Replying on a query on its MoU with the Daewoo group in Korea, Swando said that India is not included in the list of countries in which the agreement would have an impact. Stating that General Motors was "bullish'' to introduce a car priced between the premium and super luxury segments, he said, the company had tested the Opel Vectra. "But our top priority is the small car", he added.

General Motors India, a 50:50 joint venture of car major General Motors and the CK Birla group of companies, will initiate efforts this year to export cars to Nepal, Bangladesh and other countries of the sub-continent. The company had no exports last year. Swando said bigger opportunities are there in exporting components through DelphiAutomotive Systems as well as GMI.

Asked whether the company was formulating a plan for indigenising the manufacturing of engines, gear boxes and cam shafts, he said "not for the moment. We don't intend to do that until the year 2000''.

The limited-edition World Cup Astra, which was also launched, will feature specially designed hood, front grille, wider tyres and the rear spoiler apart from special badging and is available in two new metallic colours. Only 300 World Cup special edition cars, which look like sports car, will be offered to the customers. Swando said that the company will introduce different Metro versions (which are cheaper than the standard) this year.

These would be based on the feedback from customers. General Motors India has already introduced Metro 1 and 2 versions of the Astra.