GM renews SAIC joint venture for 20 years, focuses on Cadillac and Buick after restructuring

Published Aug 5, 02:31 AM UTC

General Motors announced on August 4, 2026, that it has renewed its 50-50 joint venture with China's SAIC Motor for 20 years following a major restructuring in the Chinese market. The restructuring involved plant closures, model eliminations, and the discontinuation of Chevrolet sales in China. GM will now focus on its Cadillac and Buick brands in China, and will use the country as an export hub for these vehicles to the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico, and other parts of Asia. The joint venture, SAIC-GM, has delivered over 20 million vehicles in nearly three decades. GM's sales in China fell 51% from 2016 to 1.9 million vehicles last year, but the restructuring has returned the business to profitability, with $83 million in second-quarter income. The joint venture plans to launch at least 30 electric or hybrid vehicles by 2030, and recently launched the Buick Electra sub-brand, developed in China.