SAIC-GM-Wuling Mini-Car Sales Hit 300,000 in 2008 H1

SHANGHAI - August 1, 2007: SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd, the leader in China's mini-car industry, sold over 300,000 mini-cars in the first half year, representing 43% of China's mini-car market, the company said in a recent report.

Earlier this year, the company announced its sales target of 520,000 units in 2007. It seems the company will meet its sales target without difficult this year.

The company's mini-car sales volume increased 23.3% in June compared to the corresponding month last year.

Wuling Motors logo

The 23% growth rate is an unusual phenomenon in car-making industry, according to some industry experts, especially when the growing China's mini-car industry witnessed a decline in the first half year.

The fast-growing sales record indicates the company's market is expanding and its products are becoming popular among Chinese car buyers, experts said.

About SAIC-GM-Wuling
In June 2002, GM China, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp. Group (SAIC) and Liuzhou Wuling Automotive Co., Ltd. (Wuling Automotive) signed an agreement for the formation of a three-way partnership. SAIC has a 50.1 percent stake, GM China a 34 percent stake and Wuling Automotive a 15.9 percent stake. SAIC-GM-Wuling is based in Liuzhou, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, in southwestern China.

Wuling Little Tornado

The joint venture covers an area of 892,000 square meters. Building on its strength as a low-cost, high-value manufacturer, SAIC-GM-Wuling has introduced advanced production processes such as GM's Global Manufacturing System and lean manufacturing to enhance efficiency and quality. In 2003, it received 3C national quality certification and in 2005 was named a AAA enterprise for its quality reputation.

Wuling Sunshine

SAIC-GM-Wuling builds and sells both commercial vehicles and passenger vehicles, including Wuling brand minivans, Wuling brand mini-trucks and the Chevrolet Spark mini-car. In 2005, SAIC-GM-Wuling manufactured 340,088 vehicles and sold 337,188 vehicles.

SAIC-GM-Wuling continues to expand to keep up with rising demand for its products. In June 2005, it signed an equity agreement to purchase a manufacturing facility in Qingdao, Shandong, and broke ground on a new engine plant in Liuzhou. SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co., Ltd. Qingdao Branch Co., a wholly owned subsidiary of SAIC-GM-Wuling and the company's first manufacturing facility outside its home base, began production of Wuling brand vehicles in the second half of 2005. SAIC-GM-Wuling's new engine plant is the joint venture's largest investment since its establishment. It is expected to be completed by 2007.

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