GM And China Are Teaming Up For Another 20 Years

General Motors has extended its 50-50 joint venture with SAIC through 2047, with plans to produce at least 30 new-energy models by 2030 using Chinese-developed platforms and software. The joint venture, SAIC-GM, will focus on Buick and Cadillac in China, while Chevrolet will exit the local retail market. China will become GM’s engineering and export hub for electric and hybrid models, with vehicles shipped to regions like the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico, and parts of Asia. The move is seen as a strategic decision by GM to double down on China, despite Chinese brands eating into its sales and Western rivals scaling back. The partnership will also see the development of intelligent cockpits and advanced hands-free driving features, with the Buick Electra sub-brand being the spearhead. The Electra E7 SUV, developed with SAIC, will be the first Buick new energy vehicle exported from China starting in October. GM’s extended deal with SAIC comes as Chinese automakers ramp up exports and push into Europe, Latin America, and other markets, often undercutting Western rivals on price. By turning China into its lower-cost development and export base, GM aims to compete in price-sensitive markets and spread the cost of China-developed platforms, batteries, and software across multiple regions.