GM Hybrid Cars for China

April 30, 2008 |

General Motors have announced that China is high up on their list as they role out an ever increasing amount of Hybrid Cars and Hybrid SUV’s into an ever larger geographical market. Since its entry into the huge Chinese market in 2006, the Prius has been the only mass-produced Hybrid Car available to eco-conscious Chinese consumers (a market which is growing rapidly in Chinese cities just as quickly as other parts of the globe). That looks set to change with the announcement that GM will be opening up the market with another hybrid model - the Buick Lacrosse.

buick lacrosse cxs 2008 440x220 GM Hybrid Cars for China

General Motors are planning to introduce a hybrid power version of their popular Cadillac Escalade ’sport’ SUV next year, but until then the Lacrosse will lead the move for wealthy Chinese buyers. GM hopes the Lacrosse will carry an extra incentive to gather government support for eco-fuel and sustainable cars as it will be the first hybrid to be manufactured domestically in China.

China is booming and its auto market is more than keeping up - a fact which the big manufacturers and conglomerates of brands like GM are fast waking up to. Ever more in step with Western culture, Asian consumers are keen to not be left behind on green technology and GM look set to oblige further with plans for an all-electric car for this huge Asian market by 2010 - not a concept but mass production.

Priced at around 300,000 Yuan ($43,000) the Buick Lacrosse will appeal to a new generation of wealthy Chinese buyers - it will certainly be exciting to see if its green credentials can boost sales above mid-range / luxury sedans.