GM extends China joint venture with SAIC for 20 years to 2047

General Motors and SAIC Motor extended their Chinese joint venture by 20 years to 2047, the U.S. automaker announced on August 5, 2026. The original 1997 agreement was set to expire in 2027 after 30 years.

The 50-50 partnership will now focus on domestic sales of Buick and Cadillac models in China and exports of China-built Chevrolet vehicles to non-U.S. markets. GM China President John Roth said the company sees opportunities in the Middle East, Africa, South America, Mexico, and Asia-Pacific.

The extension comes as China has become the world’s largest vehicle exporter, driven by government support and rapid innovation. A slowing domestic market, however, has weighed on legacy joint ventures. GM declined to provide financial details of the extension, which was struck amid heightened U.S.-China trade tensions.

GM’s equity income from China fell from roughly $2 billion annually in 2018 to losses in 2024 and 2025. The company reported $248 million in equity income for the first half of 2026, following $1.1 billion in restructuring charges in 2025. The joint venture has produced more than 20 million vehicles since its founding.