!NEW! Buick Launches Updated Encore SUV in China

Updated Buick Encore was launched in Chengdu, China.

Buick introduced the updated version of its popular Encore SUV in China on June 18. Encore was Buick’s best-selling vehicle in North America in 2015, accounting for nearly a third of overall sales, and one of GM’s most popular SUVs in China, with deliveries of 81,766 units last year.

SAIC-GM Medium and Small Vehicle Platform Executive Director Gu Yebin introduced the highlights of the new Buick Encore.

The new Encore adopts Buick's latest exterior design language and comes with an upgraded interior design, more advanced technologies, a segment-leading powertrain and the intelligent all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Five variants are available, priced from RMB 139,900 to RMB 189,900.

Youthful and Dynamic Exterior

New Buick Encore: Full LED headlights with double-wing-shaped daytime lights

An urban SUV for a new generation of young consumers, the new Encore comes with an all-new winged chrome grille complemented by wing-shaped Full LED headlights and sharp double-wing-shaped daytime lights, which are appearing for the first time on a Buick model.

New Buick Encore: Wing-shaped LED taillights

All-new wing-shaped LED taillights surrounded in chrome trim echo the design of the front. A roof-mounted luggage rack and new 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels add to the youthful and dynamic look.

New Buick Encore: New 18-inch, 10-spoke aluminum alloy wheels

Premium Interior

The new Buick Encore’s interior is on par with interiors in upper-medium passenger cars. The SUV has a wealth of soft materials, including new maple-leaf red premium Alcantara® suede complemented by French double-stitching craftsmanship, to cater to the tastes of younger buyers.

New Buick Encore: Premium interior with soft materials, red Alcantara and French double-stitching

The new Encore incorporates Buick's signature 360 degree wraparound interior layout. It introduces a new center console design, a new-generation 7-inch HD touch screen and a standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

New Buick Encore: New center console design, new-generation 7-inch HD touch screen and standard three-spoke multifunction steering wheel.

Buick's patented QuietTuning technology gives the new Encore a peaceful interior that is best in class. Adding to the comfort is a spacious cabin with 986 mm of headroom and 908 mm of legroom in back. The new Encore also provides 1,372 liters of cargo space.

Precise Handling and High Efficiency

A powerful 1.4L turbocharged engine comes standard across the new Encore lineup. It generates segment-leading power of 103 kW at 4,900-6,000 rpm and peak torque of 200 Nm at 1,700-4,800 rpm, enabling the driver to overtake effortlessly.

The engine is paired with a choice of a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed DSS intelligent transmission with smooth acceleration and gear shifting. All variants come with engine stop/start technology, which enhances fuel economy and reduces emissions in stop-and-go driving.

The new Encore rides on a professionally tuned European-style chassis and adopts the electric power steering (EPS) system. The Sport driving mode maximizes driving pleasure through precise handling and agility, while the adoption of electronic stability control (ESC) adds to the smooth handling and safety.

The new Encore is available with the intelligent AWD system, which can switch between different driving modes in two-tenths of a second. The system  continuously controls torque distribution, automatically varying the front-to-rear torque split between 100:0 and 50:50. This allows the SUV to confidently tackle low-friction conditions such as wet, muddy, slippery, snow-covered and gravel-covered roads.

Advanced Infotainment and Safety

The new Encore comes with Buick's new-generation IntelliLink infotainment system with Baidu CarLife compatibility and a navigation system with voice control. Users have multiple ways to connect with their smart devices.

Advanced technologies such as cruise control, keyless entry, push-button start and remote engine start (RES) are complemented by the OnStar full-time online assistant, the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), an anti-dazzle rearview mirror and heated outside rearview mirrors.

Joins 2016 “Route Awakening” Buick China Culture Tour

The new Encore will accompany other members of Buick's SUV family on the 2016 “Route Awakening” Buick China Culture Tour. This is Buick’s third year joining the National Geographic Channel in sponsoring the activity, which is among the largest and longest culture tours in China. The “Route Awakening” documentary series will showcase China’s magnificent landscape and splendid ancient civilization.

!NEW! Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle Makes Global Debut in Shanghai

The all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) made its global debut today at the 2016 Buick Day event in Shanghai, where the award-winning Buick Avista concept was also shown for the first time in China.

All-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV)

Both models will be appearing on the Buick stand at Auto China 2016 in Beijing, which begins on April 25.

“GM’s leadership in electrification technologies, now and in the future, are coming to Buick in China,” said Larry Nitz, GM executive director of Global Propulsion Systems, at the event. “In fact, over the next five years, we will roll out more than 10 new energy vehicles in China, including several models for Buick. That includes full hybrids, plug-in hybrids and extended-range electric vehicles.”

Buick LaCrosse HEV supports Drive to Green strategy

A major component of SAIC-GM's Drive to Green strategy, the LaCrosse HEV adopts the same design language and technological advances as the recently introduced All-New LaCrosse, along with segment-leading hybrid powertrain technologies. 

The LaCrosse HEV is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that is paired with an electric variable transmission and a 1.5 kWh high-performance lithium battery unit. Its green pedigree is supported by numerous advanced technologies such as an electronic climate control compressor, electronic power steering, exhaust thermal energy recycling, and active grille open and close that maximize its efficiency. 

The LaCrosse HEV offers comprehensive fuel economy of 4.7 L/100 km. This represents a 35 percent decrease in fuel consumption from the LaCrosse with eAssist that is powered by a smart hybrid powertrain, yet the LaCrosse HEV sprints from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.9 seconds.

SAIC-GM also released the all-new “Buick Blue” logo for the brand’s green product lineup at Buick Brand Day. The introduction of the LaCrosse HEV and “Buick Blue” logo represents Buick’s focus on upgrading its conventional powertrains and promoting green technologies.

Buick earlier introduced eco-friendly models in China that include the LaCrosse with eAssist and LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid.

Buick Avista concept highlights brand’s future sporty styling

Developed by GM's global design team, the Avista concept embodies Buick's new design language, sophisticated performance and advanced technologies. Shown for the first time at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, it points to the future direction of the brand’s sporty styling.

Buick Avista has an arresting appearance, with flowing, uninterrupted body lines and a 2+2 modern cockpit that is clean, simple and elegant. It is powered by a twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine that produces 298 kW of maximum power. The engine is supported by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

The vehicle has adopted a great deal of carbon fiber and aluminum materials along with 3D printed door and seat trims. It includes trendsetting technologies such as Buick’s next-generation QuietTuning, the advanced Air Quality System and the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. Its Magnetic Ride Control suspension delivers more precise body motion control than ever.

!NEW! All-New Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle to Be Unveiled in China

Expands brand’s green product lineup, promotes eco-friendly mobility solutions

All-New Buick LaCrosse Hybrid

SAIC-GM announced that the all-new Buick LaCrosse Hybrid Electric Vehicle (HEV) will be unveiled in Shanghai on April 18. GM’s joint venture with SAIC will also outline Buick’s vision for green transportation and introduce the award-winning Buick Avista concept for the first time in China.

A major product under SAIC-GM's Drive to Green strategy, the all-new LaCrosse HEV adopts the design language and technological advances of the all-new LaCrosse, as well as segment-leading hybrid powertrain technologies.

It is powered by a 1.8L SIDI engine that is paired with an electric two-motor drive unit that provides additional power to assist the engine during acceleration. The result is an eco-friendly, premium driving experience for owners as well as a practical green solution for sustainable urban transportation.

The Avista coupe made its global debut at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this year. It was developed by GM's global design team and embodies Buick's future design language.

The Avista pays homage to Buick’s heritage while showing the future direction of the brand’s timeless styling. It has a striking appearance, with a 2+2 modern cockpit that is clean and elegant.

Its twin-turbocharged 3.0L V6 engine, which churns out 298 kW of power, is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. In combination with a Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) suspension, it offers precise handling.

Throughout its 19-year history in China, Buick has remained attentive to customer needs. It has actively introduced advanced technologies backed by GM's global technical expertise. SAIC-GM’s Drive to Green strategy is focused on making its vehicles leaders in fuel efficiency.

!NEW! Buick Introduces All-New LaCrosse in China

Adds new styling, comfort, safety and connectivity

All-New Buick LaCrosse was launched in Guangzhou.

SAIC-GM introduced all-new Buick LaCrosse in China. The LaCrosse is available in six trims, with an option of a 1.5T or a 2.0T engine – and is priced between RMB 225,800 and RMB 339,800.

The Buick sedan has built an image based on comfort, quietness and quality, as well as attention to safety. The all-new LaCrosse builds on a strong global heritage, with more than 950,000 worldwide sales since 2009.

“The all-new LaCrosse incorporates innovations in design and technology, signaling Buick’s future vision in these important areas. It ushers in an exciting new era for the brand in China – its largest market,” said SAIC-GM President Wang Yongqing.

Trend-setting exterior

All-New Buick LaCrosse

The all-new LaCrosse is the first production vehicle to adopt the next evolution of Buick design. Inspired by the award-winning Avenir concept, it maintains the distinguishable features associated with the LaCrosse nameplate.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Tri-shield insignia, waterfall grille 

Its new wing-shaped chrome front grille with a large opening distinguished by the return of a three-color – red, silver and blue – Buick tri-shield insignia, is accented by wing-shaped elements set against darkened waterfall grille bars inspired by the 1954 Wildcat II concept. It is complemented by LED headlamps and taillamps.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - LED headlamps

All-New Buick LaCrosse - LED taillamps and ducktail spoiler

The traditional Buick sweep-spear bodyside seamlessly connects with the ducktail spoiler, enhancing the profile and contributing to the sedan’s dynamic stance.

Spacious and stylish interior

All-New Buick LaCrosse -  Stylish interior

The cockpit has a horizontal form that sweeps across the instrument panel and into the doors. Together with its 2,905 mm wheelbase, this creates more space for the driver and passengers. It also supports 29 flexible storage spaces and a large trunk with room for four suitcases.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Flexible storage spaces

In addition, it incorporates a “floating” center console that positions the controller for the new Electronic Precision Shift high and close to the driver, while creating storage space below the console for items such as a handbag or tablet.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Electronic Precision Shift

It features the brand’s Contemporary Moon White ambient lighting system for a quiet and relaxing environment. Attention to detail includes soft materials for practically every touchpoint; French stitching on the seats, instrument panel and more; and aluminum sill plates and wood decorative trim – depending on the model.

Engineers leveraged local consumer data insights to finesse seating development to meet the needs of Chinese customers. For the first time, Buick LaCrosse comes with heated/cooling rear seats that include the massage feature. The seats adjust automatically.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Heated / Cooled rear seats with the massage feature

The all-new Buick LaCrosse has a quiet and refined interior. Thanks to its flowing bodyline and active grille shutters, which open and close automatically to control airflow, the car has a drag coefficient of 0.29 that minimizes wind noise and helps improve fuel efficiency. In addition, it incorporates noise-damping features such as upgraded QuietTuning, Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) and Liquid Applied Sound Deadening (LASD) materials.

Latest-generation powertrains

Customers have a choice of two of GM’s latest-generation powertrain combinations. They incorporate stop/start technology and the brake energy recovery system for even better fuel efficiency. In addition, the all-new LaCrosse is the first model to adopt Electronic Transmission Range Selection (ETRS) with paddle shifters, which assist with responsiveness and durability, while also saving space and improving drivability.

Buick 2.0T SIDI engine

The all-new Buick LaCrosse 28T has a high-performance 2.0T SIDI engine, a Ward's 10 Best Engine. Combined with an all-new six-speed DSS intelligent transmission, the engine produces maximum output of 192 kW at 5,400 rpm and peak torque of 350 Nm at 2,000-5,000 rpm. It accelerates from 0-100 km/h in only 7.4 seconds.

Buick 1.5T SIDI engine 

The all-new Buick LaCrosse 20T comes with an efficient 1.5T SIDI engine that produces maximum output of 125 kW at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 252 Nm at 2,000-4,000 rpm. Mated to a seven-speed DCG intelligent dual-clutch transmission, the engine consumes only 6.2 liters of fuel per 100 km, making the sedan eligible for the Chinese government’s 50 percent purchase tax cut for vehicles with small-displacement engines. 

Comprehensively upgraded chassis

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Upgraded chassis

Another highlight of the all-new Buick LaCrosse is its comprehensively upgraded chassis. Its optimized MacPherson front suspension has a class-leading decoupled three-link upper suspension structure and a redesigned eight-point full-length sub-frame. The multi-link independent rear suspension has seven sets of bushes and rear suspension stabilizer bars to support a smooth ride.

Its second-generation CDC active suspension comes with hardware and software updates as well. This allows for improved maneuverability and comfort with the help of the specially tuned sport mode, high-performance anti-noise tires, redesigned Electric Power Steering (EPS) and GM-Exclusive Ferritic Nitro-Carburizing (FNC) technology that also expands the life of brake rotors.  

With 41 percent of its body made from ultra-high-strength steel, the all-new Buick LaCrosse is 200 kg lighter than its predecessor. However, it maintains the previous generation’s optimized safety and stability to exceed the highest five-star safety rating standards.

Adding to the safety are the Bosch ESP 9.1 electronic stability system with 21 expandable functions, the Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS), an Electric Parking Brake (EPB) and dual-stage pre-crash seatbelts with dynamic spring bolts. The top-of-the-line trim level adds 10 airbags.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Pedestrian Detection

Five new functions – Pedestrian Detection, Lane Keep Assist, Following Distance Indicator, High Beam Alert and Advance Park Assist – have been added to the previous-generation LaCrosse’s seven intelligent safety functions to further enhance protection.

Trend-setting intelligent technology

All-New Buick LaCrosse - User friendly HMI

The all-new Buick LaCrosse employs a range of user-friendly human-machine interactive technologies along with eight in-car data lines. Buick’s upgraded IntelliLink infotainment system is complemented by the new-generation OnStar full-time online assistant, which can now be connected with 4G LTE through an original built-in integrated system.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - IntelliLink infotainment system

The user-friendly operating system provides a stable Wi-Fi hotspot with a stronger signal than ordinary smartphones. Up to seven mobile devices can be connected simultaneously. The system is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Baidu CarLife.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Full-color Head-Up Display (HUD)

Adding to the comfort and convenience for the driver and passengers are a full-color head-up display (HUD) and Bose Centerpoint surround sound system that has been adapted for the all-new Buick LaCrosse.

All-New Buick LaCrosse - Bose Centerpoint surround sound system

It also comes with remote engine start, keyless entry and keyless start, a high-resolution 8-inch frameless flat touch screen, four USB ports, Bluetooth hands-free calling and the Air Quality System (AQS) with a highly efficient PM2.5 filter.

!NEW! All-New Buick LaCrosse goes on sale in China next month

New sedan will take performance, fuel efficiency and comfort to new level

All-New Buick LaCrosse

SAIC-GM’s new-generation Buick LaCrosse sedan, which goes on sale in China next month, will come with new high-efficiency powertrains and an upgraded chassis. It will take performance, fuel efficiency and comfort to a new level in the premium passenger car segment.

Highly Efficient Powertrains

The new Buick LaCrosse is being offered in China with a choice of powertrains. The top-of-the-line LaCrosse 28T is powered by GM’s high-performance 2.0T SIDI engine, which was named a Ward's 10 Best Engine. The engine incorporates advanced technology such as a twin-scroll turbocharger, intelligent inline direct injection, a tooth camshaft drive chain, a variable displacement oil pump and an integral balance shaft mounted low in the oil sump to maximize efficiency.

New Buick LaCrosse 28T is powered by GM’s high-performance 2.0T SIDI engine.

Paired with an upgraded intelligent six-speed DSS transmission and incorporating start/stop technology, it generates a maximum output of 192 kW and peak torque of 350 Nm. The powertrain combination enables the new Buick LaCrosse to sprint from 0 to 100 km/h in 7.4 seconds while achieving combined fuel consumption of 7.6 liters/100 km.

The new Buick LaCrosse 20T is equipped with GM's new-generation and efficient 1.5T SIDI engine, which features an advanced structural design and cutting-edge technologies. They include mid-mounted direct injection, a variable displacement oil pump, an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold, a patented ultra-quiet inverted-tooth camshaft drive chain and an all-aluminum split cylinder block.

New Buick LaCrosse 20T is equipped with GM's new-generation 1.5T SIDI engine.

The engine is matched with a seven-speed intelligent dual-clutch gear transmission and includes fuel-saving start/stop technology. The powertrain combination produces a maximum output of 125 kW, peak torque of 252 Nm and combined fuel economy of 6.2 liters/100 km. The new Buick LaCrosse 20T is eligible for the Chinese government’s 50 percent purchase tax cut for vehicles with small-displacement engines.

Enhanced Chassis System

The new Buick LaCrosse has an upgraded chassis system. It comes with GM’s second-generation Continuous Damping Control (CDC). A sensor monitors road conditions 100 times per second to maximize comfort and handling. Younger drivers will appreciate the specially tuned Sport mode, which ensures better handling – especially in cornering.

New Buick LaCrosse’s upgraded chassis.

The optimized MacPherson front suspension in the new Buick LaCrosse has a class-leading decoupled three-link upper suspension structure that independently passes on the load of the springs, bumper blocks and dampers to the body for faster response. A redesigned eight-point full-length sub-frame connects the body using four vibration isolation joints and four enhanced connecting points. 

A multi-link independent rear suspension isolates vibrations while offering sufficient lateral rigidity and stability. An upgraded Electric Power Steering (EPS) system provides precise and highly efficient steering control by boosting the motor power by 39 percent and enhancing transmission efficiency to over 85 percent.  

New Buick LaCrosse’s upgraded chassis.

The LaCrosse has been a key member of Buick’s lineup in China since the nameplate’s local introduction in 2006. Last year, more than 83,000 LaCrosse sedans were sold nationwide.

!NEW! All-New Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS Offer Sporty Interior Design and Advanced Infotainment

Will project dynamic image for trendsetters

All-New Buick Verano GS

The All-New Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS, which will go on sale across China by the end of this year, have a sporty interior design and advanced infotainment system that will project a dynamic image for trendsetters.

The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS feature Buick's signature 360 degree wraparound interior layout. They have a driver-oriented center console with horizontally flowing lines that visually stretch their space, which is enhanced by a long wheelbase of 2,662 mm and an efficient design.

Buick Verano GS has a stylish basic black interior that accentuates its dynamism. It is complemented by red accents, such as a strip across the center console, exquisite red stitching and Flame Red LED ambient lighting. Boosting its sportiness are a multi-function steering wheel with a paddle shifter, Alcantara sports car-like seats, and carbon fiber-pattern trim on the center console and seats.

All-New Buick Verano GS has a stylish basic black interior that accentuates its dynamism. It is complemented by red accents.

Both models are equipped with the Apple CarPlay system. Users can seamlessly connect their iPhones through the Buick IntelliLink infotainment system. All iPhone features and built-in apps – including Siri, phone, maps, music, messages and podcasts – are accessible via the high-resolution 8-inch-diagonal IntelliLink display in the center console.

All-New Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS are equipped with the Apple CarPlay system.

The Verano GS also comes with a 4.2 inch high-resolution driver information center, which is seldom found in its segment, for an exhilarating driving experience.

SAIC-GM launched the Buick Verano new-generation sports sedan on June 27. The newest members of the Verano family will provide two new trendsetting choices in the premium mid-range passenger car segment.

!NEW! Buick Verano’s Ecotec 1.5T Engine Named “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engine

The 1.5T SIDI engine in the new Buick Verano from SAIC-GM has been named one of the “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engines.

Buick Verano’s 1.5T Engine Named “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engine.

The recently introduced Ecotec 1.5T SIDI engine was chosen by an expert judging panel following several rounds of reviews and road tests. It was selected for its durability, advanced technology, power, fuel efficiency, low maintenance cost, and low level of noise and vibration.

In addition, the Buick Verano new-generation sports sedan was honored as a “China Heart” recommended model due to its award-winning powertrain, as well as its stylish and dynamic exterior, exquisite and comfortable interior, and precise and agile handling.

Buick Verano’s 1.5T Engine Named “China Heart” 2015 Ten Best Engine.

The all-aluminum engine in the Verano is loaded with cutting-edge technologies such as a variable displacement oil pump, an integrated cylinder head/exhaust manifold, a patented quiet inverted-tooth camshaft drive chain. It also incorporates industry-leading central direct injection technology, which delivers improved fuel atomization and enables the injection of a precise amount of fuel into each cylinder.

In the Buick Verano 20T, the engine is paired with a seven-speed DCG transmission with stop-start technology. It delivers maximum output of 124 kW at 5,600 rpm and peak torque of 250 Nm at 1,700-4,400 rpm. This gives the vehicle the ability to accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.8 seconds and segment-leading combined fuel consumption of 6.1 L/100 km. The engine complies with China’s advanced National V emissions standard.

More than 1,600 prototypes of the engine were put through more than 3.2 million kilometers of road testing worldwide.

This is the ninth year that one of GM’s Ecotec engines has been named one of the Ten Best Engines since the honor was created in 2006. The engine is also featured in the popular Buick Envision SUV. As a component of SAIC-GM's Drive to Green strategy, the engine will be deployed in more of the automaker's models.

!NEW! Buick Verano Hatchback and Verano GS Coming This Year

Born with sportiness and European car-like handling

New Buick Verano GS

Two new Buick hatchbacks, the Verano Hatchback and Verano GS, are coming this year. The additions to the Verano family are built on the same mid-range global passenger car platform as the new Opel Astra.

The new Buick Verano models have trendy, sporty styling along with European car-like handling, premium interiors and advanced technology. They are targeted at trend-setting consumers who are looking for a driving experience that is “born with sportiness.”

The hatchbacks feature Buick's innovative low-slung, wide stance along with a double-sweep beltline, flowing bodylines, a floating roofline and a front grille that is seamlessly connected to wing-shaped headlights.

Buick Verano GS has additional stylish yet sporty elements and a wide range of colors. Its optional interior and exterior packages include a black waterfall grille, aerodynamic spoilers, bright red strips for the front and rear bumpers, bright red brake calipers and dark-painted five-spoke aluminum alloy wheels – all of which ignite a passion for driving.

Both models incorporate GM's new Ecotec small engines, which combine powerful performance with exceptional fuel economy. The Verano Hatchback pairs a 1.5L SIDI naturally aspirated engine with a six-speed intelligent manual transmission or six-speed DSS intelligent automatic transmission. The Verano GS has a 1.5T SIDI turbocharged engine, which is accompanied by a seven-speed DCG intelligent transmission. The powertrain combination produces maximum output of 124 kW/5,600 rpm, with fuel consumption of only 5.9 L/100 km.

The new Verano family members are built on a firm chassis. They offer European car-like handling thanks to testing and tuning at Germany's famed Nürburgring circuit.

SAIC-GM launched the Buick Verano new-generation sports sedan on June 27. The Verano Hatchback and Verano GS will strengthen Buick’s presence in China’s premium mid-range passenger car segment, offering consumers a greater range of products to choose from to meet their needs.

!NEW! Shanghai GM Begins Vehicle Production in Wuhan

Shanghai GM today celebrated the start of manufacturing at its Wuhan Branch, as the first Buick Excelle passenger car rolled off the production line.

Shanghai GM Wuhan Branch starts production.

The new manufacturing base in central China’s Hubei province represents an initial investment of RMB 7 billion. It has an annual manufacturing capacity of 240,000 vehicles for sale across China by Shanghai GM.

The Wuhan Branch includes press, body, paint and general assembly shops as well as support facilities. It is leveraging world-class manufacturing processes and technology, with 452 robots and an automation rate of 97 percent in its body shop. In line with Shanghai GM’s Drive to Green strategy, the plant has also adopted environmentally friendly technology.

The facility is being supported by a parts supply zone and logistics support zone.

Shanghai GM also announced the start of construction of the second phase of the Wuhan Branch. The second phase will represent an investment of RMB 7.5 billion. It will include press, body, paint and general assembly shops. The second phase will double the plant’s manufacturing capacity when it starts production in 2017. Powertrain projects worth about RMB 10 billion are planned at the facility as well.

The Wuhan Branch is Shanghai GM’s fourth manufacturing base, joining its original Jinqiao facility in Shanghai; Shanghai GM Dong Yue Motors and Shanghai GM Dong Yue Automotive Powertrain in Yantai, Shandong; and Shanghai GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors in Shenyang, Liaoning.

Shanghai GM is a joint venture between GM and SAIC that was established in 1997. It builds, imports and sells a comprehensive range of Buick, Cadillac and Chevrolet products. It is fully supported by a network of sales, aftersales and parts centers. In 2014, Shanghai GM sold a record 1,710,025 vehicles in China.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 11 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, and Wuling brands. 

!NEW! Shanghai GM Norsom Motors Marks 10th Anniversary

GM China joint venture opens Phase III manufacturing plant and produces first all-new Chevrolet Cruze

SGM-Norsom Phase III - Assembly Shop

Shanghai GM Norsom Motors, GM China’s joint venture with SAIC and Shanghai GM in Shenyang, Liaoning, celebrated its tenth anniversary today by opening its Phase III manufacturing facility and producing the first all-new Chevrolet Cruze.

The Phase III plant has an annual production capacity of 300,000 vehicles and 450,000 engines. It can produce up to five models on three platforms.

The facility includes press, body, paint, powertrain and general assembly shops. It also has auxiliary powertrain facilities, a distribution center and a high-speed test track. Adjacent to the new plant is a 2.44-square-kilometer automotive parts and components park.

Advanced global manufacturing technology and processes have been adopted throughout the plant. They include an environmentally friendly paint shop featuring a fully automated interior and exterior painting process, a world-class fully automated high-speed press, a decoiling and blanking production line, and Shanghai GM’s first highly automated flexible body manufacturing system. Its 518 robots give the body shop a domestic industry-leading automation rate of 93 percent.

The technology is supported by Shanghai GM’s world-class management and quality systems, which enable agility, flexibility and modularity.

The new Chevrolet Cruze represents Shanghai GM’s newest entry in the midsize compact car segment. It was developed for China on GM’s latest architecture. The new Cruze has a new design and comes with a choice of new 1.4T and 1.5L Ecotec engines. The Phase III powertrain plant is GM's first facility in the world to put the Ecotec engines into volume production.

Shanghai GM Norsom Motors Co., Ltd. was established in 2004. Shanghai GM holds a 50 percent stake and oversees management. GM China and SAIC each hold 25 percent stakes. The joint venture manufactures the Buick GL8 family and the Chevrolet Captiva and Cruze. It has produced about 1.7 million vehicles. With the opening of the Phase III plant, Shanghai GM Norsom Motors has an annual production capacity of 500,000 vehicles and 450,000 engines.

!NEW! General Motors Sells April Record 278,263 Vehicles in China

Vehicle sales by General Motors and its joint ventures in China increased 6.3 percent on an annual basis last month to an April record 278,263 units.

Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling, as well as their Buick, Chevrolet, Cadillac, and Wuling brands, all reached new highs for April sales.

Its strong performance took GM’s sales for the first four months of 2014 to a record 1,197,375 units, an increase of 11.0 percent on an annual basis. This is the eighth consecutive year and the earliest ever that GM has sold more than a million vehicles in a calendar year in China.

Shanghai GM’s domestic sales in April were up 5.8 percent year on year to 128,608 units, SAIC-GM-Wuling’s sales in China were up 7.4 percent to 144,729 units and FAW-GM’s sales in the domestic market were down 3.9 percent to 4,926 units.

Buick sales in the domestic market totaled 68,707 units in April, which was an increase of 2.7 percent on an annual basis. The original Excelle family had sales of 24,092 units, while sales of the Excelle XT and GT totaled 18,253 units. They were followed by the Regal, which sold 8,126 units, and the GL8, which sold 6,403 units.

Chevrolet sales in China rose 6.4 percent from the previous April to 53,810 units. Its best-selling model was the Cruze, whose sales increased 16.0 percent to 20,036 units. Following the Cruze was the Sail, which had sales of 16,598 units, an increase of 7.7 percent.

Cadillac sales were up 49.4 percent from last April to 6,091 units. It benefited from strong demand of 2,678 units for the XTS luxury sedan and 2,405 units for the SRX luxury utility vehicle.

Wuling sales in China rose 11.2 percent on an annual basis in April to 138,524 units. The Hong Guang family sold more than 60,000 units, which was an increase of 92.3 percent year on year.

Between January and April 2014, Shanghai GM had domestic sales growth of 9.3 percent to 550,430 units. SAIC-GM-Wuling generated domestic sales growth of 13.2 percent to 624,740 units. Both were new highs for the period. FAW-GM’s local sales were up 1.1 percent to 21,893 units.

In addition, during the first four months of 2014, Buick sales rose 11.2 percent year on year to 306,801 units, Chevrolet sales were up 2.8 percent to 222,181 units, Cadillac sales jumped 85.4 percent to 21,448 units, Wuling sales grew 14.9 percent to 599,157 units and Baojun sales were down 15.7 percent to 25,583 units.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 12 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 58,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2013, GM sold nearly 3.2 million vehicles in China.