SAIC and GM began cooperation in 1997, when the two automakers formed Shanghai GM and the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center (PATAC) engineering and design joint venture.

That was followed by the launch of six additional China joint ventures, including SAIC-GM-Wuling, GMAC-SAIC Automotive Finance Co, China's first approved and operational automotive financing company, and Shanghai OnStar Telematics, which will provide a range of in-vehicle safety, security and communication services for selected Shanghai GM models starting this month.

Since it began regular production in 1999, Shanghai GM's domestic sales have grown by more than 22 times.

By the end of November 2009, Shanghai GM had sold nearly 3 million vehicles.

Since its establishment in 2002, SAIC-GM-Wuling's domestic sales have grown by more than four times. In Decemberm, 2009, it was the first Chinese automaker to sell 1 million vehicles in a single calendar year. The Wuling brand is also the first domestic vehicle nameplate to achieve annual sales of 1 million units.

SAIC-GM-Wuling sales are up nearly 60 percent on an annual basis in 2009. It is on track to remain China's mini-commercial vehicle sales champion for a fourth consecutive year.

In 2009, Wuling has also been the first Chinese brand to be exported and distributed from China to markets in South America, the Middle East and North Africa, under the Chevrolet brand through GM's distribution networks.

PATAC has played a key role in reengineering global products for both joint ventures in line with local preferences, regulations and driving condition.

"PATAC's capability in design and development of cars has grown substantially over the last few years. We have seen there are similar requirements in other parts of the world for products that PATAC is involved with, and also that SGM-Wuling is involved with," said Wale. "PATAC is continuing to take a stronger and stronger role in our world presence because it's naturally maturing and also because of the absolute size of the China market."

PATAC has been actively involved in a number of GM's global programs, such as the Buick New Regal, newly launched Buick LaCROSSE, and the new "Sail" which will hit the China market in 2010.