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1.11.2004
GM, SAIC to jointly pursue development and commercialization of hybrids and fuel cell vehicles in China

GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC) signed an agreement to jointly pursue the development and commercialization of hybrid and fuel cell vehicles in China. The agreement is the first of its kind between a global and Chinese automaker. It reinforces the two partners’ strong commitment to provide solutions to address concerns over energy security and reduce the environmental impact of China ’s growing number of motor vehicles.

The partners intend to:

  • Develop local engineering capability for clean energy vehicles.
  • Promote the development of a Chinese hydrogen infrastructure.
  • Contribute to the formulation of relevant regulations and policies by the Chinese government.
  • Promote general awareness of the future of advanced vehicle technology in China.

As part of the agreement, GM and SAIC have agreed to carry out a series of joint programs: During the signing ceremony, GM Chairman and CEO Rick Wagoner and SAIC Chairman Chen Xianglin announced the partners will co-develop a demonstration vehicle using the latest fuel cell technology, building on GM’s HydroGen3 fuel cell vehicle. The two-year demonstration , which will begin in Shanghai early next year , is designed to showcase the benefits of fuel cell vehicles in real-life applications. GM’s Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) will be responsible for maintaining the daily operation of the demonstration fuel cell vehicle. This program will serve as an important point of reference for government decision-makers in the creation of regulations and standards and the development of infrastructure.

In addition, GM will leverage its industry-leading fuel cell technology to fully support SAIC’s bid in the fourth quarter of 2005 to take part in the United Nations Development Program Demonstration for Fuel Cell Bus Commercialization program in China.

On October 11, the two companies announced their first hybrid bus program for the China market. The unique vehicle will feature a hybrid system developed by GM’s Allison Transmission, and a bus from a SAIC joint venture. It will provide valuable information that the partners can use to study the feasibility of mass-producing the bus.