Top stories of SAIC Motor in 2024

In 2024, SAIC Motor made multiple strides across its diverse operations. The group accelerated its international growth through strategic partnerships and joint ventures, such as local production of MG vehicles in Egypt and a joint venture in India with JSW Group.

SAIC Motor also bolstered its logistics capabilities, commissioning advanced ocean car carriers to enhance its global supply chain.

Technological innovation took center stage, with developments like its second-generation magnesium alloy case for electric drive system and the launch of its next-generation technology foundation.

As for the upgrade of its cooperation with joint-venture partnerships, the extension of its joint venture with Volkswagen Group until 2040 underscored SAIC Motor's long-standing and successful collaboration with one of the world's automotive giants. Additionally, its agreement with Audi to co-develop the Advanced Digitized Platform highlighted its commitment to cutting-edge innovation.

The following sections provide a deeper dive into SAIC Motor's remarkable accomplishments in 2024.

SAIC Motor partners with Mansour Group for MG vehicle local production in Egypt

On December 29, SAIC Motor signed a strategic technical cooperation agreement with Egypt's multinational conglomerate Mansour Group to launch local production and assembly of MG-branded vehicles in the country. 

SAIC Motor delivers ocean car carrier 'Anji Prestige'

On December 23, SAIC Motor announced the delivery of its new ocean car carrier, Anji Prestige, constructed by Jiangnan Shipyard (Group) Co., Ltd., a key large-scale shipbuilding enterprise owned by China State Shipbuilding Corporation limited ("CSSC").

The vessel, which measures 200 meters in length, 38 meters in width, and stands as tall as a 13-story building, has a capacity of 7,800 vehicles and a displacement of 40,000 tonnes. Equipped with innovative LNG dual-fuel clean energy technology, it reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 30%. The ship will embark on its maiden voyage to Europe before being deployed on the U.S.-Mexico route.

SAIC Anji Logistics introduces COSCO SHIPPING, SIPG as new strategic investors

On December 16, a signing ceremony for introducing strategic investment to SAIC Anji Logistics was held at SAIC Motor's headquarters. COSCO SHIPPING Holdings Co., Ltd. ("COSCO SHIPPING") and Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. ("SIPG") participated as strategic investors, each contributing 1 billion yuan to subscribe to 75 million yuan in new shares of SAIC Anji Logistics.

Following the completion of the capital increase, SAIC Anji Logistics' registered capital would rise from 600 million yuan to 750 million yuan, with COSCO SHIPPING and SIPG each holding a 10% stake.

SAIC Motor-backed Haitong Taicang Auto Terminal begins operation

On December 12, 2024, the Haitong Taicang Automobile Terminal, a collaborative project by SAIC Motor, Shanghai International Port (Group) Co., Ltd. ("SIPG"), and Jiangsu Port Logistics Group Co., Ltd., has officially commenced operations.

As the largest automobile roll-on/roll-off (RoRo) vessel terminal along the Yangtze River, the Haitong Taicang facility boasts an annual throughput capacity of 1.3 million vehicles. The terminal serves as a vital hub for global trade and a critical node in the global automotive supply chain, providing comprehensive ocean logistics services to automakers, including SAIC Motor. This facility will open a new gateway for Chinese automotive brands to expand into international markets.

SAIC Motor launches second-generation magnesium alloy case for electric drive system

On November 29, SAIC Motor R&D Innovation Headquarters officially unveiled its self-developed second-generation magnesium alloy case for electric drive assembly, along with a three-in-one electric drive assembly equipped with this case.

The new product is touted by the company as the world's first mass-produced magnesium alloy case for electric drive system to adopt semi-solid processing technique. It is made from AZ91D magnesium alloy, weighing just 13.7 kg.

SAIC Motor, Volkswagen Group extend joint venture agreement to 2040

On November 26, marking the 40th anniversary of SAIC Volkswagen, SAIC Motor and Volkswagen Group signed an agreement in Shanghai to extend their joint venture until 2040, reaffirming their long-term partnership.

SAIC-GM unveils latest-generation PHEV-dedicated system

On October 24, SAIC General Motors ("SAIC-GM"), the joint venture between SAIC Motor and General Motors, announced its latest generation of plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV)-dedicated system is officially named the "True Dragon" ("Zhenlong" in Chinese Pinyin).

Hesai Technology, SAIC Volkswagen sign cooperation intent agreement

On September 29, SAIC Volkswagen signed a cooperation intent agreement with Hesai Technology, a global leader in LiDAR development and manufacturing, at a ceremony held by the Jiading District Government in Shanghai. This collaboration highlights SAIC Volkswagen’s recognition of Hesai's cutting-edge LiDAR products and technologies.

SAIC-GM, CATL co-launch industry's 1st 6C ultra-fast-charging LFP battery

On September 25, SAIC-GM announced its collaboration with CATL to launch the industry's first 6C ultra-fast-charging lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery, marking a significant breakthrough in electric vehicle battery technology.

This new battery is expected to debut in 2025 within the upgraded Ultium quasi-900V high-voltage battery platform.

SAIC-GM-Wuling launches new strategy targeting ASEAN market development

On September 24, the 21st China-ASEAN EXPO ("CAEXPO") opened in Nanning city, Jiangxi province, where SAIC-GM-Wuling ("SGMW") officially launched its "One Two Three Go" ASEAN Strategy, targeting the ASEAN market as a key area for global expansion in the new energy vehicle (NEV) sector.

SAIC-GM celebrates 2 millionth GL8 MPV rolling off production line

On September 23, the 2 millionth Buick GL8 produced in China, a GL8 PHEV, rolled off the production line at SAIC-GM's luxury car plant in Jinqiao, Shanghai, and the significant vehicle has been delivered to its user. This milestone marks the Buick GL8 as the first model series in China's premium MPV market to surpass the 2-million-unit mark in both production and sales.

SAIC Motor, ZTE co-launch vehicle communication module platform

On August 20, SAIC Motor and ZTE Corporation jointly hosted the global launch of their domestically produced vehicle communication module platform. Alongside this event, the two companies signed an agreement to deepen their strategic partnership.

In response to the growing trend of domestic automotive chip production, SAIC Motor has achieved the volume production and application of the industry's first China-made automotive-grade dual-core 4G communication module. This module will debut in the MG7 B-segment coupe and gradually be applied across SAIC Motor's global vehicle lineup, significantly enhancing the intelligence and connectivity of the company’s vehicles.

SAIC Motor announces delivery of 2nd ocean-going car carrier

On July 24, SAIC Motor announced the delivery of its second ocean-going automobile transport ship, a roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) vessel named "SAIC Anji Splendor." The ship was built by China State Shipbuilding Corporation Limited through SAIC Motor's commission.

SAIC-GM's Buick rolls out Navigate-on-Pilot function on CENTURY model

On July 15, SAIC-GM's Buick brand announced the official rollout of the V3.3 OTA update for the Buick CENTURY MPV model. This latest update encompasses 12 significant enhancements for the intelligent driving and intelligent cockpit systems. Notably, the upgraded vehicles would feature the new NOP (Navigate-on-Pilot) function, enabling advanced intelligent assisted driving on closed roads.

SAIC-GM-Wuling, China Unicom forge strategic partnership

On July 10, SAIC-GM-Wuling and China Unicom signed a strategic cooperation agreement. The partnership aims to leverage SAIC-GM-Wuling's auto manufacturing expertise and China Unicom's communication technology to advance intelligent connected vehicle technology and expand cooperation in products, marketing, smart logistics, and manufacturing systems.

SAIC Motor, Purple Mountain Laboratories partner in automotive cybersecurity field

On July 9, SAIC Motor and Purple Mountain Laboratories signed a strategic cooperation agreement, announcing comprehensive collaboration in several key areas, including intrinsic safety technology, cybersecurity testing tools and services, and cloud control platform security for intelligent connected vehicles.

VW Group, SAIC Motor sign series of NEV-related tech agreements for SAIC VW

On the occasion of the 40th anniversary of SAIC Volkswagen ("SAIC VW"), a new chapter of cooperation between Volkswagen Group and SAIC Motor commenced on the afternoon of June 27.

Volkswagen Group, SAIC Motor, Volkswagen (China) Investment Company Ltd., Volkswagen (China) Technology Co., Ltd., and SAIC VW signed multiple technical cooperation agreements in Shanghai related to new product projects for SAIC VW. These agreements include technical cooperation for developing three plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV) models and two battery electric vehicle (BEV) models in China.

SAIC-GM unveils RoboTest vehicle testing platform to public

On June 25, SAIC-GM officially unveiled to the public its RoboTest unmanned intelligent vehicle testing platform ("RoboTest Platform"). This platform is the first of its kind developed by an automaker and integrated into the entire vehicle testing and certification process.

SAIC Motor's Z-one Tech unveils upgraded Galaxy intelligent vehicle full-stack solution

In June, SAIC Motor's automotive intelligence arm Z-one Tech announced the upgrade of its intelligent vehicle full-stack solution, the Galaxy®, marking a new era of AI and software-defined vehicles.

Faurecia, SAIC Overseas Mobility to co-develop globally-oriented intelligent cockpit solutions

On June 3, Faurecia (China) Holding Co., Ltd. and SAIC MOTOR Overseas Intelligent Mobility Technology Co., Ltd. (SAIC Overseas Mobility), a subsidiary of SAIC Motor, signed a strategic cooperation agreement to jointly develop leading automotive intelligent cockpit products for the global market.

SAIC Mobility's Xiangdao Zuche, AVIS join hands to provide global mobility services for business travels

On May 28, Xiangdao Zuche (dubbed in Chinese Pinyin, "Zuche" translating to car rental), which is under the umbrella of SAIC Mobility, the mobility service brand of SAIC Motor, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with AVIS, the world-leading car rental brand, making Xiangdao Zuche as the first company in China to provide one-stop global mobility services, according to SAIC Motor's press release.

SAIC Motor announces new-generation technology foundations

At the New Energy Technology Conference held on May 24, SAIC Motor officially unveiled its next-generation technology foundation. Leveraging breakthroughs and applications in solid-state batteries, energy closed loops, high-efficiency powertrains, intelligent chassis, full-stack software architecture, and new electronic architecture, SAIC Motor's "seven technology foundations" have fully upgraded to the 2.0 era.

SAIC Motor, Audi to launch first Advanced Digitized Platform-based EV in 2025

On May 20, 2024, in Shanghai, SAIC Motor and Audi officially signed a cooperation agreement to jointly develop the Advanced Digitized Platform, following a memorandum of understanding signed in July 2023.

SAIC Motor's Roewe launches DMH Super Hybrid Technology brand

On May 10th, during the eighth annual China Brand Day, SAIC Motor's self-owned passenger vehicle brand, Roewe, unveiled its "DMH Super Hybrid Technology", according to SAIC Motor's press release. This new technology brand aims to pioneer hybrid electric products for a global audience.

SAIC Motor appoints renowned designer Jozef Kaban as VP at SAIC DESIGN

On April 22, SAIC Motor announced the appointment of globally renowned automotive designer Jozef Kaban.

Mr. Kaban joins SAIC Motor as the Vice President of Global Design at the SAIC DESIGN, which is affiliated to SAIC Motor's R&D Innovation Headquarters, where he will lead forward-thinking creation and product design efforts across the company’s full array of automobile brands.

SAIC-GM's electric vehicles given access to NIO's charging network

Wuhan NIO Energy Co., Ltd. ("NIO Energy") and SAIC General Motors Sales Co., Ltd. ("SAIC-GM") have forged a partnership for interconnected charging network services, according to a press release SAIC GM issued via its WeChat account on April 18.

SAIC Motor forms joint venture with Indian steel giant JSW

Local time on March 20, India's largest steel producer, JSW Group, announced the establishment of a joint venture with SAIC Motor, called JSW MG Motor India. The joint venture plans to launch a new product every 3 to 6 months, focusing on new energy vehicles, and aims to enter the high-end passenger car market in the future.

SAIC MAXUS sees Wuxi base's 1 millionth vehicle roll off line

A momentous occasion unfolded at the SAIC MAXUS Wuxi Base as its 1 millionth vehicle, a SAIC MAXUS Territory ("Lingdi" in Chinese Pinyin) SUV, came off the assembly line on March 6, according to a press release from SAIC MAXUS.

SAIC Motor breaks ground on new battery base in Nanjing city's Jiangbei New Area

On January 21, the groundbreaking ceremony for the battery and new energy power technology factory project at the Jiangbei New Area base of Nanjing Automobile Group was held in Nanjing city, according to a post on SAIC Motor's WeChat account.

SAIC Motor celebrates maiden voyage for ocean-going car carrier with loading capacity of 7,600 cars

On January 17, SAIC Motor marked a significant milestone as it officially commissioned the ocean-going car carrier, constructed by China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the world's largest shipbuilding conglomerate. The vessel, named "SAIC Anji Shencheng," commenced its inaugural voyage.