20.4.2005
GM showcases record lineup of brands and products at Auto Shanghai 2005

At the Auto Shanghai 2005, which will open its doors tomorrow, GM and its joint ventures in China will display an unprecedented number of nearly 40 vehicles, representing all of their brands sold in China -- Cadillac, Buick, Chevrolet, Saab, Opel and Wuling.

The stand features imported production and concept vehicles from GM, domestically built vehicles from Shanghai General Motors and SAIC-GM-Wuling, and a unique concept vehicle from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC). In addition, the Sequel, the world’s most advanced fuel cell vehicle, demonstrates GM’s vision of sustainable transportation.

The all-new Chevrolet Aveo is making its worldwide debut at Auto Shanghai 2005. The new sedan, which was developed in Korea by GM Daewoo Auto & Technology with assistance from the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) in Shanghai, will consequently be rolled out in more than 120 countries and territories. Its European version will go on sale in European markets in spring 2006.

Cadillac
Two versions of the CTS luxury sedan are on display at the GM stand. Also being shown is the SRX, which became available in China at the beginning of March, and the XLR, which will officially come to China later this year. The Cadillac Sixteen concept car and the 1959 Eldorado round out the Cadillac stand.

Buick
Buick, GM’s most popular brand in China and the heart of Shanghai GM’s lineup, is well represented at Auto Shanghai 2005. Heading the Buick lineup is the Royaum, Shanghai GM’s top-of-the-line model. The Regal, which, like the Royaum, is targeted at Chinese elites who are looking for a product that speaks to their status and success, is Shanghai GM’s upper-medium sedan.

Also appearing are the Excelle sedan and HRV hatchback, the joint venture’s entries in China’s lower-medium passenger car segment. With its appeal to young, style-conscious professionals in their mid-20s to mid-30s, the Excelle family has quickly become a leader in its segment.

Another Buick product on display, the GL8, created the executive wagon segment in China, and has been a mainstay of the Shanghai GM lineup since 2000. Complementing Buick’s production models on the stand is the Vélite concept car.

Chevrolet
In addition to the Aveo sedan, which will be assembled by Shanghai GM, Chevrolet is represented by the Sail, Epica and Spark. Both the Chevrolet Sail, a small car from Shanghai GM introduced in February, and the Epica, the joint venture’s new intermediate sedan that goes on sale this month, are leading the charge as Chevrolet becomes GM’s mainstream brand in China.

The Spark, the first Chevrolet car assembled in China, has competed in the domestic mini-car segment since its introduction by SAIC-GM-Wuling, GM China’s mini-vehicle joint venture with SAIC and Wuling Automotive, in December 2003.

Saab
GM’s Saab premium import brand, which was officially launched in China last May, has on display a number of vehicles from its 9-3 and 9-5 ranges. The newest member of the Saab family, the 9-3 SportCombi, is making its China debut.

Opel
Opel presents the new Astra five-door, Astra GTC, Vectra and Zafira. The latest generations of the Vectra sedan and Zafira MPV, both staples of GM’s import lineup in China for several years, have been redesigned inside and out to meet the changing needs of today’s consumers.

Wuling
In addition to the Chevrolet Spark mini-car, SAIC-GM-Wuling is displaying two vehicles from its Wuling brand. The Yangguang is the joint venture’s first new minivan. Launched in November 2002, the Wuling Sunshine minivan has experienced the fastest growth of any Wuling-brand product.

PATAC Concept Vehicle
From GM’s unique PATAC automotive engineering and design joint venture with SAIC is the ALA.s concept vehicle. Making its global debut at Auto Shanghai 2005, the ALA.s, which stands for Action Life Activity sedan, is the fourth concept vehicle developed by PATAC in China by Chinese engineers. The innovative, modern vehicle features design cues inspired by traditional Chinese culture. It merges the flexibility and performance of a sport utility vehicle with the comfort of a traditional sedan.