Using a flexible design process, Shanghai GM set a speed record for introducing a new product in China. The Buick GL8, which shares many chassis components with the sedan, is the first wagon in China - and one of few in the world - to be manufactured on the same production line as a sedan. "The launch of Buick GL8 wagon fills a gap in the market, offering a locally manufactured high-quality wagon to customers in China," Shanghai GM President Chen Hong said in a ceremony at the plant.

"Looking ahead to the new millennium, Shanghai GM still has much to do," Chen Hong said. "We have a Year 2000 plan taking both the business opportunities and risk analyses into account. Our annual production target for the Year 2000 is also being raised from 37,000 to 50,000 Buicks to meet escalating market demand."

Rudolph Schlais, Group Executive and Vice President of GM, President of GM's Asia Pacific Operations, said SHANGHAI GM needs to build on the momentum of its successful first year.

"The number of milestones this joint-venture has marked in just the first year is nothing short of amazing," he said. "This speaks to the value of two partners putting the joint venture first and their individual desires second."

The Buick GL8, an "enlarged" Buick sedan, carries all the Buick family features - advanced technology, superb quality, unsurpassed safety and services. The wagon's spaciousness offers exceptional comfort for seven to eight passengers and allows flexible seating arrangements. The seats can be easily converted into a bed, tea table or a spacious area to serve as a mobile office or a meeting room.

The sliding rear doors are much bigger than other wagon models available in the market, facilitating the loading and unloading of large items as well as passenger entry and exit. The Buick GL8 shares the 2.98-liter V6 engine with the Buick sedan. The engine is modified to meet the needs required for long journeys.