China market helps GM sales surging 50%

• Source: The Global Times
• [16:14 May 14 2009]
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By Shi Jierui

According to AP, General Motors Corp's (GM) said Tuesday that sales in China surged 50 percent in April, hitting a new record of 151,084 vehicles.

GM is currently facing the threat of bankruptcy if it can't complete a restructuring plan by a US government-imposed June 1 deadline. However, in a statement, the company said Shanghai GM's Buick sales jumped 63.6 percent to 38,071 units and GM's joint venture Wuling on minivan sales surged 60.6 percent to 95,544 units, led by Wuling Sunshine minivan.

GM said the Regal mid-sized sedan also helped sales, as well as the new Chevrolet Cruze compact sedan.

"Coming off a record month in March, GM is very satisfied with the ongoing strength in domestic sales of both of our joint ventures," GM China Group President Kevin Wale said in a statement Tuesday .

China may outdrive the US to be the world's biggest auto market if vehicle sales in China continue to grow.

GM aims to double its sales in China to more than 2 billion vehicles over the next five years.