Shanghai becomes new home for GM int'l operation base

By Shi Jierui

General Motors Corp (GM) is establishing Shanghai as its new international operations base, and appoints former GM Asia Pacific president Nick Reilly, to be executive vice president of the global operational base, right after GM's restructuring.

The new GM has given up all if its previous regional operation systems and withdrawn the establishment of operational areas in Latin America, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific. Instead it has settled its global operational base in Shanghai, coordinating its operations in various areas around the world.

The establishment of GM's operation base in Shanghai demonstrates the emphasis GM has placed on the Chinese market, the company said in a statement.

GM reported its sales in China surged 38 percent in the first half year to a record 814,442 units. In 2008, its sales in China grew 6.1 percent to 1.1 million units.