General Motors and China’s SAIC Motor have agreed to push their joint venture far beyond its original end date, extending the partnership by 20 years to 2047. The deal preserves a relationship that began in 1997 and was previously scheduled to expire next year, according to GM.
The companies did not disclose financial terms, but GM said the arrangement will continue to center on domestic sales of Buick and Cadillac models in China. It will also support exports of vehicles built in China, including Chevrolet models, to markets outside the United States. GM China President John Roth said the company sees opportunities in regions such as the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico and Asia-Pacific.
The extension comes at a time when China’s auto industry is undergoing major change. Domestic brands have gained ground quickly, while legacy Western automakers and older joint ventures have faced pressure. At the same time, geopolitical friction between Washington and Beijing has intensified, including talk of a possible U.S. ban on Chinese brands and vehicles.
China was GM’s largest sales market from 2010 through 2023, but the company’s performance there has weakened. GM said its China earnings fell from about $2 billion a year in 2018 to losses in both 2024 and 2025. After restructuring measures that led to $1.1 billion in special charges last year, GM reported $248 million in equity income from China in the first half of this year. The company said the joint venture has produced and delivered more than 20 million vehicles since its launch.
Source: cnbc.com
