US automaker General Motors and Chinese company SAIC Motor have signed an agreement to extend their joint venture in China for another two decades. Under the new contract, plans are set to expand vehicle development within China, enabling the country to become an export hub for overseas markets.
This extension comes after General Motors conducted a major restructuring of its business in China. This restructuring included closing several production facilities and discontinuing parts of its model range. These measures were taken in response to increased competition from Chinese automakers, particularly BYD.
General Motors stated that its 50/50 joint venture will contribute to increasing the development of new vehicles in China to better meet the needs of local consumers. Furthermore, the company intends to use its production capacity in China as an export hub.
Buick and Cadillac vehicles produced in China will be sent to markets in the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico, and several other Asian countries. The first model for export will be the Buick Electra series, developed in China, with deliveries scheduled for the end of the current year.
SAIC Motor noted that the partnership extension will help bring Chinese automotive innovations to the global stage. Independent automotive industry analyst Lei Xing suggested that utilizing Chinese R&D capabilities to support GM's global business could serve as a model for other joint ventures between foreign and Chinese manufacturers.
General Motors first entered the Chinese market in 1997 by establishing a joint venture with SAIC. However, the company's sales in China in 2025 fell more than twofold compared to the record level of 2017, when over 4 million vehicles were sold. The Buick, Chevrolet, and Cadillac brands lost market share to Chinese producers, largely due to the limited range of competitive electric vehicles.
Under the new strategy, GM will focus its activities in China on the Cadillac and Buick brands, while ceasing Chevrolet sales in the domestic market. Production of Chevrolet models for export will continue under a separate joint venture involving GM, SAIC, and Wuling.
The SAIC-GM joint venture plans to introduce at least 30 electric and hybrid models by 2030. The main focus of the strategy will be on vehicles developed directly in China. A key example is the Buick Electra E7, which sold over 10,000 units in its first month. This electric crossover will be the joint venture's first premium model intended for export outside of China.
GM reported that it does not plan to export vehicles produced in China to the US market due to existing import tariffs and national security restrictions. The company also emphasized that its business in China has returned to profitability following the restructuring initiated in 2024, demonstrating positive financial results for several consecutive quarters.
The extension of the agreement with SAIC reflects the overall strategy of many global automakers who continue to deepen cooperation with Chinese companies despite growing competition and declining market share in China, aiming to maintain their presence in the world's largest automotive market.
A delegation from Uzbekneftegaz, led by Chairman of the Board Abdulgani Sanginov, began a working trip to China, where they held negotiations with the management of CCDC, a subsidiary of China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC).
The parties discussed the development of their strategic partnership, the implementation of joint projects, and the further expansion of interaction in the oil and gas sector. Participants reviewed methods for accelerating the implementation of joint investment projects and identified priority areas for future cooperation.
It was noted that the interaction between Uzbekneftegaz and Chinese companies continues to strengthen within the framework of efforts to develop business ties between the two countries. A number of meetings have taken place with the management of CNPC since the beginning of the year, leading to agreements aimed at deepening the partnership.
Currently, the cooperation covers import contracts, service agreements, and joint investment projects. One of the central issues discussed was the response to the emergency situation at the M-25 field. Participants examined the technical and organizational aspects of the project, as well as measures to accelerate work according to the approved schedule.
Furthermore, the parties confirmed their commitment to the timely and full fulfillment of financial obligations under current contracts. During the delegation's visit, CCDC demonstrated digital and intelligent solutions to support oil and gas engineering operations, including an automated drilling system, a real-time production monitoring platform, and intelligent technologies for controlling compliance with industrial safety and labor discipline requirements.
At the conclusion of the meeting, both sides expressed interest in further strengthening the strategic partnership, expanding high-tech joint projects, and implementing modern digital solutions to increase efficiency in production and advance the digitalization of drilling operations.
