GM, SAIC to develop electric cars in China

General Motors will work with its joint-venture partner, Chinese carmaker SAIC Motor Corp., to develop parts and vehicle platforms for electric cars, the companies said on Tuesday.

The automakers will use their existing joint venture in Shanghai, the Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, as the home base to develop the electric car--aimed primarily at the Chinese market.

GM says it plans to use the platform, components and technology from the project to build electric cars around the world for various markets.

The car companies did not release any specifics about the electric car or when it is targeted to go into production.

The project is being driven by the Chinese government setting more stringent regulations for fuel economy and vehicle emissions, a trend among nations around the world.

GM and SAIC Motor Corp. have 10 joint ventures in China.

By Dale Jewett