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China’s SAIC Plans to Introduce Own Hybrid in 2010
11 April 2008
Nikkei. SAIC Motor Corp., China's largest carmaker, plans to introduce a hybrid model under its own brand in 2010.
We have developed eight different automobiles that run on alternative energy sources, including models powered by hybrid engines, fuel cells and methanol. Shanghai General Motors Co. (a joint venture with GM) has introduced a hybrid version of the Buick LaCrosse that will hit the market by the end of the year.
Our goal for 2010 is to achieve a production capacity of 10,000 hybrids and commercialize a hybrid model under our own brand. We also hope to attain a certain level of achievement in fuel cell cars, with the aim of conducting a test run at the Shanghai World Expo (set for 2010).
—SAIC President Chen Hong
The Shanghai General Motors Buick LaCrosse Eco-Hybrid uses the GM Hybrid System (Belt-Alternator-Starter). (Earlier post.)
The upcoming Auto China 2008 show in Beijing (20-28 April) is expected to feature a number of hybrid and electric vehicle introductions from domestic manufacturers.
April 11, 2008 in Brief | Permalink | Comments (4) | TrackBack (0)
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Posted by: JJSpawn | April 11, 2008 at 11:19 AM
SAIC may have picked the wrong partner for efficient hybrids.
They won't learn much form GM hybrid division, unless GM is planning to build real competitive hybrids in China.
A joint venture with Toyota (hybrid) would have been more favorable. Even a 1997 first generation Prius has more to offer than current GM's hybrids.
Posted by: Harvey D | April 11, 2008 at 01:21 PM
A Japanese newspaper published this. GM has been in China for a while and sells more Buick cars there than in the U.S. You notice this is BAS stuff, so it is not real big yet.
"We have developed eight different automobiles that run on alternative energy sources, including models powered by hybrid engines, fuel cells and methanol."
I think in this case the "we" is a corporate one. The China group worked on a BAS Buick. There may be more to come.
Posted by: sjc | April 11, 2008 at 08:59 PM
China is motivated by economic growth, and development of hybrids is good business. Expect to see them invest heavily in hybrid and other clean tech. This post http://www.ecounit.com/blog/?p=30 outlines some of their investments and initiatives on the environment.
Posted by: Kent Ragen | April 12, 2008 at 04:07 PM
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Wow, even with human cruelty issues looming in the air, china's automakers are trying to do the right thing for the environment.
But it is backed by GM. So it looks like they are throwing everything they have at the wall and hope something sticks.