Automobile Blog

Dongfeng Nissan and Shanghai GM to Introduce SUV Models to China

GM plans to introduce a SUV model, Antara, later this year in Shanghai. Shanghai GM official told, “We are not allowed to disclose any details about new car models to be introduced to China,” said Gong Guangjun, a public relations official from GM. However, Gong confirmed that Shanghai GM’s marketing manager, Sun Xiaodong said in April Shanghai GE would introduce a SUV model to China later this year.

Currently Shanghai GM has no plan to produce SUV models locally in China; instead, the company plans to import 2.4 L and 3.2L SUV models from abroad, Guangzhou Daily reported yesterday. Shanghai Automotive which runs ventures with General Motors and Volkswagen, announced a massive bond issue plan this week to fund the development of sedans - including the construction of facilities capable of making 270,000 sedans and 320,000 engines per year - with an estimated cost of 21.4 billion yuan.

Guangzhou Honda, the Japanese auto maker’s tie-up with state-run Guangzhou Automobile Group, also unveiled a 2 billion yuan plan earlier in the month to develop non-Honda branded sedans, becoming the first foreign car venture to develop cars bearing its own badge. Unlike Shanghai Auto, Dongfeng Motor, planning to roll out its own-brand sedans in 2009, handles its own-brand vehicle project at the group level, company executives told Reuters previously.