“To remain a global industry leader, GM must remain an industry leader in China,” said Akerson.
The world’s largest auto market, China, has been good to General Motors, the world’s largest automaker. So no surprise when General Motors Chairman and CEO Dan Akerson said today in Beijing that GM will introduce more than 20 new and upgraded models during the next two years, as well as strengthen Chinese product development capability, which means more Chinese jobs.
General Motors had a record sales month in China in January, as GM’s two largest manufacturing joint ventures – required by Chinese government industrial policy – posted new monthly highs for vehicle sales in what is now a market of more than 18 million vehicles annually. GM and its joint ventures sold 268,071 vehicles in China in January, an increase of 22% from the January of 2010. GM’s previous monthly sales record of 230,038 vehicles was set in March 2010.GM ended January with an estimated market share of 14.7% in China.
It’s a continuation of GM’s strong performance in China during 2010 at 2,351,610 vehicles, which are more cars and trucks than GM sold in the U.S. In the U.S., GM sales increased 21% in 2010 as its four remaining brands sold 2,202,927 vehicles or 118,435 more vehicles in 2010 than eight brands did in 2009, the year GM emerged from bankruptcy.
GM has been the sales leader among global automakers in China for six consecutive years.
“As our largest market, China played a significant role in GM’s success in 2010. We will continue investing aggressively in China to ensure the long-term success of our company,” said Akerson.
According to Akerson, “GM’s success in China is the result of our strategic approach to doing business in this country. The foundation is great product, a consistent focus on understanding and meeting the needs of local consumers, fantastic partnerships, and a dedication to bringing the latest industry technology to China.”
This includes the introduction of new energy vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt hybrid electric vehicle. All of this is said to be part of GM’s long-term commitment to the “sustainable development of China’s automotive industry.”
Akerson reinforced the importance of GM’s local relationships. “We regard our 11 domestic joint ventures as 11 keys to our success in China,” he said. “To remain a global industry leader, GM must remain an industry leader in China.”
