More 'civilians' are buying China Buicks

When Shanghai General Motors Automotive Co. Ltd., GM's China joint venture, began producing Buick Regals last April, it was estimated that almost all of them would be purchased by national and local governments. That hasn't turned out to be the case, says GM Asia Pacific President Rudolph A. Schlais Jr. "A year ago only 2% were being sold to private owners and private companies," he tells WAW. "Now it's 35%." Shanghai Automotive sold 22,000 Regals during its first nine months, and the plant has annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles, he says. GM is adding minivans, which will reach market in June. Although he expects "significant" minivan sales, "the majority will be Buicks," he adds.