Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp., China’s largest automaker and a key local joint venture partner of General Motors Co., 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. It eventually will 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 Wednesday statement.
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.
By: Hans Greimel, Crain’s Detroit
