GM and SAIC consider joint EV development for China

Just the Facts:

* GM and SAIC agree to cooperate on EVs in China.

* The partners also said they plan to expand the role of their jointly owned Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) on future vehicles and powertrains.

SHANGHAI, China — General Motors and longtime Chinese partner SAIC Motor have agreed to extend their strategic cooperation to include the development of "new energy" vehicles, including electric cars, in China.

The partners also said they plan to expand the role of their jointly owned Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) on future vehicles and powertrains.

In a statement, GM and SAIC said: "A joint effort to develop more new-energy vehicles and components is a core element of the anticipated strategic cooperation. It could include the co-development of key components, leveraging best solutions from either party, the development of a next-generation electric vehicle architecture for China and the acceleration of electric vehicle technical capability in the companies' China operations."

GM and SAIC said they intend to share "an additional vehicle architecture and powertrain application" but did not provide details.

The expanded role for PATAC will enable the partners to "capitalize on new development opportunities in emerging markets," including India, where GM and SAIC currently collaborate.

Earlier this year, GM said it hoped to boost its car sales in China to 3 million units a year by 2015, while introducing more green cars, including electric vehicles in partnership with SAIC.

GM plans to introduce the Chevrolet Volt hybrid in China in 2011.