Three new GM models to sell in China early '09

Shanghai, November 18 (Gasgoo.com) China is still General Motors' most important market in the world. Its Chinese venture Shanghai GM announced yesterday that it will launch more than 20 new car models to the Chinese market in the coming three years, and three heavyweight models will go on sale in China as part of GM's 2009 growth strategy.

At the Guangzhou auto show opening today, Shanghai GM started to unveil 24 models of its four brands: Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac and Saab. Three of the all-new models, which are based on GM's global platform and cutting-edge technology, will become an important part of the U.S. auto giant's global strategy to boost its Chinese and global growth next year.

Chevrolet Cruze

The three all-new models to go on sale in China in early 2009 are the compact Chevrolet Cruze sedan, imported Buick Enclave SUV, and zippy Cadillac CTS-V. They are expected to cover the whole range of potential customers in China -- from the wealthy pleasure-seeker to young professionals buying their first vehicles.

The three vehicles GM unveiled today bring the number of GM's models in China to 24. The Chevrolet Cruze, which will be manufactured in Shanghai among other locations around the globe, made its first appearance in Asia after its global debut at the Paris Auto Show last month.

At first, the Enclave and the Cadillac CTS-V will be imported from the U.S., to boost American factories. Priced at 519,000 yuan ($76,100) -- 594,000 yuan, the Enclave is Buick's first luxury SUV exported to China. Dealers are reserving the limited edition Cadillac CTS-V, which costs 1.1 million yuan.

The current global financial crisis has urged GM and its Shanghai venture to upgrade its vehicle lineup in China, which remains to be GM's most promising market. In the coming three years, GM will launch over 40 new models globally and half of them will be introduced to China for local production and sales.