Shanghai, China
FOR RELEASE: June 5, 2002GM China Family Takes Center Stage at Auto China 2002
Shanghai, China- The General Motors China family is taking center stage at Auto China 2002, which is being held in Beijing from June 5 to June 13.
The theme of GM's 1,000-square-meter stand, one of the largest at the show, is Making a Commitment Today for a Better Tomorrow. On display are a dozen best-selling products from GM and its two China vehicle joint ventures, Shanghai GM and Jinbei GM. A full range of vehicles from all five GM nameplates sold in China - Cadillac, Saab, Opel, Buick and Chevrolet - are being featured.
In addition, the newly-launched SAIC-GM-Wuling Automotive Co. Ltd, the latest member of the GM China family, is also showcasing its lineup of the popular Wuling mini-vehicles on a separate stand.
"Auto China 2002 gives GM and our joint ventures the opportunity to introduce the lineup of GM vehicles available in China, which is among the widest of any foreign automaker in the country," said Philip Murtaugh, Chairman and CEO of the GM China Group. "It also allows us to show the people of China the overall direction of GM in the world's fastest-growing vehicle market."
A highlight of the GM stand is the new Saab 9-5, which is making its debut in China at Auto China 2002. Three other imported products - the Cadillac Deville, Opel Omega and Opel Zafira - are also being featured. Shanghai GM is showcasing its array of domestically built Buick products, including the recently introduced upgraded Sail compact car. It also is displaying a concept vehicle designed by GM, the Buick LaCrosse. Representing Jinbei GM are the Chevrolet Blazer SUV and the Chevrolet S-10 crew cab pickup.
"China's continued economic development and its membership in the World Trade Organization are creating a very promising future for automakers," said Mr. Murtaugh. "GM is intent on continually introducing new products and quality services that meet the growing needs of the China market. That's what we mean by making a commitment today for a better tomorrow."
The new Saab 9-5 Aero will be available in China following the conclusion of the show. A sporty, multi-dynamic sedan, the Saab 9-5 offers a synthesis of superior safety and performance, outstanding driver control and unique Scandinavian design. The top-of-the-line model displayed at the show, the Saab 9-5 Aero, is powered by a 2.3-liter turbocharged engine that generates 250 horsepower. Outstanding safety features make it one of the safest cars in the world.
"The Saab 9-5 complements our domestic offerings and strengthens GM's import product portfolio to help us tap into the high-potential luxury car segment in China," said Mr. Murtaugh. "We expect it to appeal to a growing number of modern, individualistic and discerning luxury car buyers in this country."
General Motors is the world's largest automaker. Last year it sold more than 8.5 million vehicles in about 200 countries and territories around the world. Shanghai GM, a joint venture with SAIC, manufactures a lineup of Buick-branded midsize sedans, the Buick GL8 executive wagon and the Buick Sail family car. Jinbei GM, GM's truck joint venture in Shenyang, produces several models of the Chevrolet Blazer SUV and Chevrolet S-10 crew cab pickup. SAIC-GM-Wuling, based in Liuzhou of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in West China, is one of the largest mini-vehicle markers in China. GM has approximately 8,000 employees across China and sold about 65,000 vehicles in China last year.