Shanghai GM Begins Exports of Chevrolet New Sail to Chile; First Locally Developed Passenger Car from Global Brand Sold Worldwide
22 October 2010
Shanghai GM, GM’s flagship passenger car joint venture in China, began exports of the Chevrolet New Sail to the Chilean market. (Earlier post.) Plans are in place to sell the small family sedan to additional markets in South America, North Africa and the Middle East. Authorized Chevrolet dealers will sell and service the New Sail outside China.
The New Sail is the first locally developed and manufactured passenger car from an international brand to be exported. It represents a breakthrough in our strategy to create products for China and other emerging markets.
—Terry Johnsson, Shanghai GM Vice President of Vehicle Sales, Service and Marketing
The New Sail made its global debut in China in January 2010. The New Sail has enjoyed strong sales in China since its debut, with approximately 90,000 have been sold in nine months, putting the New Sail at the top of its segment.
GM's survival will depend a lot on their successful implementation of lower cost factories outside USA, mainly in China, India, Brazil etc for the expanding international markets. This is a good start.
GM USA could specialize in the production of (fewer) large gas guzzlers for the local receptive market. Those gas guzzlers are not exportable.
Affordable electrified vehicles may also have to be built elsewhere unless local production cost becomes more competitive.
Posted by: HarveyD | 22 October 2010 at 06:53 AM
GM's EVs http://www.ev1.org/chevgm.htm
Posted by: kelly | 22 October 2010 at 08:32 AM