GM may export cars from China

General Motors Corp is considering exporting vehicles from China to developing markets, with a decision expected later this year, the Financial Times reported. The exports will consist of small vans and buses made by Wuling, a firm bought by GM and its Chinese partner Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp in 2004.

Citing Troy Clark, head of GM's Asia division, the newspaper said the US automaker is evaluating whether there is sufficient demand for exports to markets including India, Indonesia, the Middle East and South America.

The small vehicles, likely to be around the 5,000 USD price range, are used as basic people carriers and vans but are not appropriate for developed markets, the newspaper said, citing Clark.

Last year Wuling sold 337,188 units, up 43.4 pct from 2004.

Clark told the newspaper that GM is running at maximum capacity and may need to invest to start exports.