SAIC opens N.A. office
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Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp., China's largest automaker and a key local joint-venture partner of General Motors, opened a North American nerve center in Michigan on June 12 as it deepens its roots in the U.S. auto market.
The North American Operations Center is in Birmingham, just north of Detroit. It will eventually employ 100 people and focus on purchasing, logistics, technology and engineering, the company's U.S. subsidiary, Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp. USA Inc., said in a statement last week.
The office will coordinate procurement among 150 suppliers in North America and manage the import and export of components. Its engineers will help design and develop auto parts. The three-story building covers 30,000 square feet.
SAIC sold more than 4 million vehicles in China last year and has paired with some of the biggest global makers. Its joint ventures in China include Shanghai GM, SAIC-GM-Wuling Automobile Co. and Shanghai VW.
The June 12 opening was attended by senior executives from GM and SAIC.
SAIC Chairman Hu Maoyuan said he expects SAIC USA to see healthy growth in the North American market.
You can reach Hans Greimel at hgreimel@crain.com. -- Follow Hans on 
