GM to resume importing models into China

General Motors will restart its import business in China to meet the demands of local customers, said a senior executive of the United States' largest carmaker.

GM is recruiting for the business unit. Models that GM showcased at the fourth China International Import Expo, including the Hummer EV truck, are likely to be imported to meet the different lifestyles of Chinese customers, GM China President Julian Blissett said on Friday.

In addition to imported models, GM will deliver the Cadillac Lyriq SUV to Chinese customers in the third quarter of this year. It was the first model based on GM's electric vehicle platform Ultium.

The platform can carry different cells to optimize global sourcing and keep up with technological advances.

Globally, GM has launched six Ultium-based models, including the Cadillac Lyriq, GMC Hummer truck and Chevrolet Silverado pickup.

Blissett said that GM will launch Ultium-based models under Buick and Chevrolet brand in China later.

The carmaker plans to launch more than 30 EVs worldwide based on the Ultium platform by 2025, and more than 20 of them will hit the Chinese market. By that time, GM is expected to have produced 1 million EVs in China.

In addition to Ultium, GM's joint venture in China - SAIC GM Wuling - launched the GSEV platform to produce small pure electric models. One of the best-selling EV models in China, the Wuling Honguang Mini, is based on the platform.

With Ultium and GSEV, GM will promote the electrification of every GM brand in China, covering all market segments and price ranges, Blissett said.

Last year, GM sold around 2.9 million cars in China, which remained basically the same compared with 2019. EV models are expected to boost its sales in the country.