Shanghai GM launches new models to boost sales

Shanghai, April 9 (Gasgoo.com) In a month before the 2008 Beijing auto show in later April, Shanghai GM will have launched several all-new models like the Cadillac CTS, Chevrolet Aveo, and Buick Excelle. By unveiling more new models to the public, the carmaker aims to sell 250,000 vehicles in the first half of 2008 to defend the title of China's auto sales champion.

Although only a limited number of new models have been launched by Shanghai GM up to now this year, the company will integrate the production of its famous brands. As a great contributor to Shanghai GM's sales volume, Buick Excelle is seen as a decisive factor behind the company's achievement in the whole year of 2008.

The new Excelle equipped with a retuned chassis will have better maneuverability and more configurations. It will use the engine and gear box of the old Excelle model. The Excelle model can sell 200,000 units a year, but it remains to be seen whether it is able to repel the challenge of the VW Sagitar and Lavida vehicles.

In addition to the few new models mentioned above, Shanghai GM is set to launch several other models later this year for the auto market in 2009. The company has already started to integrate the Opel production platform. And in early 2009 the remodeled Opel Insignia will also be locally built for the Chinese market and will be carrying the Buick brand.

The Buick Enclave, a seven-passenger crossover SUV popular in the U.S., will also be made in China later this year, to be the second Buick SUV after Chevrolet available in the Chinese market. Opel Corsa and Opel Zafira will be introduced to China for local production in 2009, likely to carry the Chevrolet brand.

If Shanghai GM can reach its sales target in the first half of this year, its all-out effort to launch new models will pay off and help it capture a larger market share in 2009.