Shanghai, China — Shanghai GM began yesterday deliveries of a 10-seat version of Buick GL8 executive wagon to the Philippines. This is the first time medium luxury vehicle manufactured in China ever to be exported.
According to an agreement signed with GM Philippines, over the next five years, Shanghai GM will deliver a total of 5,000 vehicles. The initial batch of 50 will be badged as Chevrolet Venture and go on sale shortly at GM AutoWorld facilities across the Philippines.
The Chevrolet Venture is based on Shanghai GM's 7- or 8-seat Buick GL8 wagon, which the GM joint venture manufactures for the China market. Since its introduction in April 2000, more than 15,000 GL8s have been sold.
"The export of executive wagons is part of our commitment to making Shanghai GM an internationally competitive automaker," said Philip Murtaugh, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the GM China Group. "We are confident that the Chevrolet Venture will enhance the image of quality of China-made vehicles across Asia Pacific."
The beginning of deliveries coincides with the closing of the APEC CEO Summit in Shanghai, of which GM is a major sponsor. According to Murtaugh, "Exporting the Chevrolet Venture from China to the Philippines is a demonstration of the real opportunities for open trade and economic cooperation that exist between APEC members."