GM's New China Brand Baojun Launches first Car, the 630 Compact Sedan

SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), GM's mini-commercial vehicle joint venture with China's SAIC and Wuling Motors, today rolled out the first Baojun branded passenger vehicle at its plant in Liuzhou, southern China. The Baojun 630 is a low price, four-door compact sedan developed locally using GM technology that will go on sale in early 2011 through a new network of dedicated Baojun dealers.

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MG to Build First All-New Model in 15 Years at its UK Plant

MG Rover's old Longbridge car plant is set to comeback in a big way when SAIC / MG begins building its first all new car in 15 years at the end of the year. The plant will start producing the MG6 mid-size model from knocked-down kits imported from China, preceding the UK relaunch of MG as a "value brand" in 2011.

The all new car will be available initially as a five-door fastback, with a four-door saloon to follow later on. The automaker optimistically told the Financial Times that customer clinics have compared the MG6 with the likes of the Ford Mondeo, Skoda Octavia and even with small BMWs. Prices in the UK are said to range between �16,000 to �20,000 (US$25,425 to US$31,780).

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China's SAIC Considering Buying Stake in General Motors

Industry insiders are reporting that China's SAIC has expressed interest in buying a stake of General Motors come its public offering in November, though it has yet to make a solid commitment. GM has declined to comment on the matter.

The U.S. government is eager to unload its 61% stake in GM after taxpayers bailed out / loaned the iconic automaker to the tune of US$50 billion. This comes despite the political ramifications of selling part of the brand to foreign investors or sovereign-wealth funds.

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