GM opens science lab in Shanghai

Oct. 5, 2009 (China Knowledge) - U.S.-based auto giant General Motors Corp recently opened a science lab in Shanghai to conduct automotive-related research and development.

The lab, namely GM China Science Lab, is the first of its kind set up in China by a global auto maker and will help strengthen GM's leading position in China, said GM.

It will employ up to 100 staff during its early stage of operation and will focus on advanced propulsion technology, battery cells, mega-city safety research, advanced vehicle development and light materials.
In addition, it will seek cooperation with Chinese universities and government-run scientific institutions.

GM will apply the technology developed in the Shanghai lab to its products worldwide, and it aims at breakthrough technologies that will differentiate its vehicles in the market, said GM Global R&D Vice President Alan Taub.

In 1997, GM and SAIC Motor Corp set up an equally-owned R&D joint venture, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Co, in Shanghai. The center carries out car R&D for GM's China and other Asian markets.

In the first eight months of 2009, GM and its China JVs sold 1.11 million vehicles, representing a year-on-year growth of 49.6%. It aims to sell 1.4 million units in the country for the whole year.