GM Rolls Off 2 Millionth Buick in China

Shanghai GM today announced that it has delivered the 2 millionth Buick in China, a red New Regal sedan bought by a consumer in Guangzhou. This does nothing more than to emphasize GM's optimistic plans for China, a growing market which is expected to help General Motors in its restructuring process across the globe.

Buick arrived in China in 1998 when Shanghai GM, General Motors' local joint venture with SAIC, started producing and selling in the region.

“It took eight years for Shanghai GM to sell its first 1 million Buicks, but only three years to sell its second 1 million units,” said Kevin Wale, President and Managing Director of the GM China Group. “This demonstrates the ongoing popularity of Shanghai GM’s leading mainstream brand in what is now Buick’s largest market.”

“Buick’s newer models are proving popular due to their outstanding quality, design and value. They represent the attitude, achievement, capability and entrepreneurial spirit of their owners.”

What's interesting is that some time ago, before General Motors' over-discussed bankruptcy, some voices indicated that the American manufacturer may attempt to sell Buick, with some Chinese parties also interested in an acquisition. However, GM denied speculations, pointing out that Buick will remain a core brand and help the company in the fight for survival, even after it emerges for bankruptcy.

“Over the next two to three years, we will roll out five or more new products under both of our volume brands, Buick and Chevrolet. These models are being engineered in China for the domestic market by our Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) joint venture,” said Wale in April. “Our four other brands (Cadillac, Opel, Saab and Wuling) will also bring out new and upgraded models to meet the rapidly changing needs of vehicle buyers nationwide.”