So said GM chairman and CEO Dan Akerson at a media briefing in Beijing where he also commented on the growth of the company’s business and the importance of China to the automaker.

According to Mr Akerson: 'GM’s success in China is the result of our strategic approach to doing business in this country. The foundation is great product, a consistent focus on understanding and meeting the needs of local consumers, fantastic partnerships, and a dedication to bringing the latest industry technology to China.'

This approach, said Mr Akerson, has enabled GM to remain the sales leader among global automakers in China for the past six years. In 2010, GM and its joint ventures sold a record 2.35 million vehicles in the domestic market.

'GM will continue to make China one of our priorities,' added Mr Akerson. 'We plan to introduce more than 20 new and upgraded models over the next two years, strengthen our local product development capability, expand our cooperation and sharing of technology with local partners, and lead in the introduction of new energy vehicles including the Chevrolet Volt extended-range electric vehicle. All of this is part of GM’s long-term commitment to the sustainable development of China’s automotive industry.'

He also reinforced the importance of GM’s local relationships. 'We regard our 11 domestic joint ventures as 11 keys to our success in China,' he said. 'To remain a global industry leader, GM must remain an industry leader in China.'