GM Builds Cars in Japan

Topics:  General Motors, Chevrolet Cruze

Amy Bickers
Voice of America
October 26, 2001

Audio Version  240KB  Requires RealPlayer

Excerpt from Voice of America's Japan Business Wrap titled "Japanese Electronics Giants Post Losses; GM Builds Cars in Japan"

Two Japanese electronics companies report half-year losses and the world's largest carmaker hopes to gain a foothold in Japan.

For the first time Since World War Two, General Motors of the United States is building cars in Japan.  In cooperation with Suzuki Motors, it has developed a compact car called the Chevrolet Cruze which is manufactured at a plant west of Tokyo.

GM's attempts to export cars to Japan have so far been unsuccessful because the cars were seen as too big and often lacked the right-hand drive that is standard in Japan.  Jack Smith, chairman of General Motors, said "we ought to focus on building cars in regions outside of the United States that meet the desires of customers."

The two companies are hoping to sell 20,000 units of the Cruze car in Japan within one year.