GM Donates World Expo Pavilion

One of the most appreciated presences at the World Expo last year, the joint American-Chinese pavilion operated by auto makers GM and SAIC will get the chance to enter the history book. GM announced that it is donating the pavilion to the Shanghai Municipal Government, who will use it as a reminder of what was the World Expo 2010.

The GM-SAIC presence in Shanghai was probably one of the most exciting from the entire event, with car models, concepts and a wide range of multimedia tools used to convey the message that GM is in China to stay.

Probably more than the concepts themselves, GM and SAIC managed to win the crowds with the very flashy promises they made. Both tried to give the people a glimpse of a carefree future, with no emissions, accidents, traffic congestion and, most of all, petroleum.

Apparently, their promises meant something, as some 2.1 million visitors came to say hi in the 184 days of the World Expo.

"As the days, months and years roll by, the pavilion will serve as a symbol – a symbol of the promise for the future that was on display for six incredible months," said Kevin Wale, GM China Group president. "We hope it will inspire people and institutions to join hands to overcome the challenges facing us."

"For General Motors, the pavilion will remind us that our commitment to the ideals embodied by Expo 2010 did not end on October 31. Rather, we have a responsibility to continue our progress to create a cleaner, greener future for the people of Shanghai and the people of the world."