Dave Stadt ) wrote:
:
: This just in..........Chrysler (or whatever name they are going by now
: days) is openly discussing moving some manufacturing to China.
:

GM already build some Buick models in Communist China and plans to build
Cadillacs there too:

http://makeashorterlink.com/?G266514A8
General Motors Officially Launches Cadillac Brand in China

The original link, wrapped to 2 lines:

http://www.autointell-news.com/News-...4/June-2004-2/
June-09-04-p1.htm
General Motors Officially Launches Cadillac Brand in China

"General Motors Officially Launches Cadillac Brand in China
Will Redefine Luxury Segment in World's Fastest-Growing Market

"Beijing, China - During a ceremony at Beijing's Imperial Ancestors'
Temple, a symbol of ancient China, General Motors officially launched
Cadillac, its premium luxury brand for modern China.

Three new Cadillac models that will be sold in China - the CTS, SRX
and XLR - were unveiled at the ceremony. All three products embody
Cadillac's distinctive bold design, purposeful innovation and balanced
performance.

The high-performance, rear-wheel-drive Cadillac CTS luxury sedan will
enter the China market this fall. The Cadillac SRX, which features the
comfort of a luxury sport sedan combined with the versatility of a
sport-utility vehicle, will enter the market later this year. The
Cadillac XLR, the brand's flagship luxury roadster, will be available
in China in early 2005.

All three models will start as imports from GM's North American
Operations. They will be built at the company's Grand River
manufacturing facility in Lansing, Michigan, and at its facility in
Bowling Green, Kentucky. Both the CTS and SRX will be assembled soon
thereafter at Shanghai General Motors Company Limited (Shanghai GM),
making the joint venture of GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry
Corporation Group (SAIC) the only facility outside the United States
to produce Cadillacs. GM will collaborate with Shanghai GM to market
and distribute Cadillac vehicles in China.

In conjunction with the launch of the brand, GM has begun building an
exclusive Cadillac dealership network in China. A family of new and
exclusive Cadillac dealerships will begin opening in August 2004 in 11
major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou.

The authorized sales and aftersales network is comprised of the best
dealers in China, which were selected based on a rigid set of
criteria. All Cadillac facilities in China will offer the best of the
best premium customer experience.

"We are proud to be taking GM into an important new high-growth market
segment in China," said Phil Murtaugh, Chairman and CEO of the GM
China Group. "Introducing Cadillac is part of our strategy of moving
fast to address the needs of our customers. By setting a new standard
in the premium luxury segment, Cadillac will contribute to the
continued development and industry leadership of GM in China. At the
same time, it will help create new opportunities for GM's global
operations in the world's fastest-growing vehicle market."

According to Chen Hong, President of Shanghai GM and Vice President of
SAIC, "Cadillac is an important part of Shanghai GM's multi-brand
strategy. It will take the image of Shanghai GM to a new level while
giving us the widest range of products in the broadest range of
segments. We are confident the combination of Shanghai GM's strong
competitiveness, expanding operating capacity, world-class
manufacturing capability, and industry-leading sales and aftersales
service will help ensure Cadillac's long-term success in China."

"Over the last 100 years, Cadillac has won worldwide acclaim for
setting the standard for luxury in the automotive industry. As it
embarks on its second century, Cadillac continues to set the standard
for luxury," said Mark LaNeve, General Manager of Cadillac. "China
represents a key component of Cadillac's global growth strategy. We
look forward to working with GM China and Shanghai GM to ensure that
Cadillac becomes the brand of choice among luxury vehicle buyers in
China."

Shanghai GM is a 50-50 joint venture that produces and markets
vehicles, engines and transmissions. Established in 1997, it currently
manufactures the Buick Regal upper-medium sedan, Buick Excelle
lower-medium sedan, Buick Sail small car and Buick GL8 executive
wagon. Shanghai GM has adopted many of GM's advanced manufacturing
systems and processes such as the Global Manufacturing System. Its
products have been certified equal in terms of quality to those built
by GM facilities elsewhere around the world.

Earlier today, GM and SAIC announced that Shanghai GM would increase
its annual production capacity from 200,000 vehicles to 450,000
vehicles to support its aggressive new product plans, including the
introduction of Cadillac. The expanded facility is expected to begin
operation in 2005. GM and SAIC also announced their intention to
expand Shanghai GM's engine plant.

(June 7, 2004)"


--Jerry Leslie
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