Continues strengthening its lineup to meet shifting market demand
- Brands enhanced portfolios within high-growth SUV and luxury segments
- Solid progress in the development and rollout of electric vehicles across multiple brands
SHANGHAI – General Motors and its joint ventures delivered more than 3.09 million vehicles in China in 2019, amid a challenging environment with weakened consumer demand. The company continued the transformation of its portfolio, including luxury vehicles, large SUVs, and the ongoing development and rollout of its new energy vehicle (NEV) lineup.
Cadillac sales reached an all-time high of 213,717 units in 2019, posting a year-on-year increase of 3.9%. In accordance with its global plan of introducing one model every six months, Cadillac added the CT5 midsize luxury sedan and the XT6 large luxury SUV. It will introduce the CT4 luxury sedan this year, giving Cadillac its strongest portfolio ever in China’s steadily growing luxury vehicle segment.
Buick deliveries totaled 850,007 units. Its large SUV, the all-new Enclave, has had healthy sales since its launch in November. With its introduction, Buick has built a complete lineup in China across compact, midsize and large SUVs.
Chevrolet delivered 418,000 vehicles last year. The brand likewise strengthened its SUV presence with the launch of the Tracker and Trailblazer from its all-new global vehicle family. Chevrolet will add a large SUV – the Blazer – in China in 2020 to solidify its foothold in this burgeoning segment.
Baojun had deliveries of 608,269 units. It is transforming into a more youthful, connected and intelligent brand to appeal to rising consumer aspirations. In line with the brand’s upward move, four all-new models were introduced in eight months – the RS-5 SUV, RM-5 MPV, RC-6 sedan and RS-3 SUV. In 2020, Baojun will maintain its intensive product launch cadence to strengthen its brand image and portfolio.
Wuling posted sales of 1,003,611 units in 2019, retaining its leadership position in the mini-commercial vehicle segment. It will continue to expand its presence in passenger vehicle segments.
GM will keep up its launch cadence across brands in China this year, following the introduction of more than 20 new and refreshed models in 2019. The launches will focus on luxury vehicles as well as midsize/large SUVs and MPVs, which have become the segments with the strongest increases in customer demand.
“During the downturn, we are focused on bolstering our product lineup and improving cost efficiency to position our company for strong performance in China over the long term,” said Matt Tsien, GM executive vice president and president of GM China. “We expect the market downturn to continue in 2020, and anticipate ongoing headwinds in our China business.”
GM is on track to introduce at least 10 NEVs in China between 2016 and 2020, helping lead the industry toward an all-electric future. Through the end of 2019, GM’s NEV customers in China surpassed 600 million electric kilometers driven, signaling increasing customer usage and acceptance.
Following the Buick VELITE 6 electric vehicle that reached the market last year, the Menlo – Chevrolet’s first all-electric model – will soon arrive in China. Baojun will continue to grow its NEV portfolio after its popular two-seater siblings, the E100 and E200. Wuling will also add all-electric models this year.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) is committed to delivering safer, better and more sustainable ways for people to get around. General Motors, its subsidiaries and its joint venture entities sell vehicles under the Cadillac, Chevrolet, Baojun, Buick, GMC, Holden and Wuling brands. More information on the company and its subsidiaries, including OnStar, a global leader in vehicle safety and security services, Maven, its personal mobility brand, and Cruise, its autonomous vehicle company, can be found at http://www.gm.com.