GM sales to hit one mln in China

GM has sold 876,747 vehicles in China in 2006, up 31.8% compared with the previous year, and the US car maker sold 290,000 in the first quarter in China with growth in all its lineup models. "We expect our sales this year in China to surpass one million units for the first time," said Kevin Wale, Detroit-based General Motor's China chief. GM plans to launch seven new and upgraded models in the Chinese market this year, including the newly launched Chevrolet Epica, Buick Park Avenue and the to-be-debut Opel Astra, Astra GTC, etc.

Wale said GM, struggling in its home market, will continue to invest one billion dollars in China each year through 2010 to expand production facilities, engineering and design capability, and new products.

Buick may introduce SUV models in future based on the existing brands, he added, but declined to give detailed comment.

GM is a new comer in the luxury sedan market in China, but Wale expressed satisfactions to Cadillac’s sales performance recent months and said all GM need is a longer time to compete.