General Motors (GM) has announced it is to open two research facilities in China to develop fuel cell technology and environmentally-friendly alternative energy vehicle propulsion systems.

The $250 million GM Centre for Advanced Science and Research is to be built as part of an agreement with the US automotive giant's Shanghai Automotive Industry Group and will be located in Shanghai.

Rick Waggoner, GM Chairman and CEO, said: "We see China as being among the first markets and production sites for alternative propulsion systems, including the new flexible fuel, plug-in type of electric vehicles currently under development by GM.

"This flexible vehicle, which can accommodate a variety of propulsion systems and fuels, is the perfect platform for illustrating the range and diversity of projects this new centre will undertake."

The two firms also announced that another clean car propulsion technology research facility, the China Automotive Energy Research Centre, will be built in Beijing, with funding of $5 million being granted to Tsinghua University.

Source:

GM Launches Strategy to Support China with Energy, Environmental Challenges, 29/10/07

http://media.gm.com/servlet/GatewayServlet?target=http://image.emerald.gm.com/gmnews/viewmonthlyreleasedetail.do?domain=74&docid=40734

GM sets up clean fuel research lab in China, 29/10/07

http://afp.google.com/article/ALeqM5iqSs9Mjtv3R1VzwEGwkRU1fJrvGA

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