OREANDA-NEWS. General Motors sold its 1 millionth vehicle in China on Monday, the earliest it has ever done this in a calendar year.

GM first sold 1 million vehicles in a single year in China in December 2007. Last year, GM reached the milestone on May 7. This year it came two weeks sooner – and the earliest in the company’s history.

“This is a great start to the year and a big accomplishment for our team,” said Bob Socia, president, GM China, and Chief Country Operations Officer, China, India and ASEAN. “We will continue bringing new products and expanding our dealerships to boost sales.”

GM and its joint ventures are adding to their product lineups by launching 17 new and upgraded models in China this year. They include the Chevrolet Cruze hatchback; the new Wuling Sunshine; two new Jiefang light-duty trucks, the S230 and F330; and the Insignia Sports Tourer, Zafira Tourer and Astra GTC from Opel.

The company is also expanding its dealer network to make it easier for its customers in China to buy and service their vehicles. It is adding 400 dealers this year, which will bring to 4,200 the number of dealers at year end.

General Motors traces its roots back to 1908. GM has 12 joint ventures, two wholly owned foreign enterprises and more than 55,000 employees in China. GM and its joint ventures offer the broadest lineup of vehicles and brands among automakers in China. Passenger cars and commercial vehicles are sold under the Baojun, Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Jiefang, Opel and Wuling brands. In 2012, GM sold more than 2.8 million vehicles in China. It has been the sales leader among global automakers in the market for eight consecutive years. More information on General Motors in China can be found at GM Media Online.