BAIC Says No Consensus Reached over Opel Bid
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Beijing Automotive Industry Holding Company (BAIC) confirmed Friday it had not reached full consensus with General Motors over the Opel bid.
It was not likely for BAIC to agree with GM on intellectual property rights "anytime soon", according to a BAIC statement to Xinhua.
BAIC has failed to reach a deal with GM over five models of Opel autos that BAIC hoped to introduce into the Chinese market, BAIC Chairman Xu Heyi told Xinhua.
"It's a pity, but BAIC understands and respects GM's decision," said Xu Heyi, "Meanwhile, as one of the first auto companies on the Chinese mainland to open up to the outside world, we will continue to enhance international exchanges and cooperation."
Beijing, as China's largest and most dynamic auto market, has adequate infrastructure, sound investment environment and broad potential for development, he said.
He said BAIC had showed sincerity and credibility and had taken all parties' interests into consideration throughout the bidding process.
"We hoped to fully exploit BAIC's advantage in the Chinese market and Opel's research and development capacity, and seek to benefit all three parties: Opel, GM and BAIC."
Zhong Shi, an independent auto analyst said Chinese auto companies are not in the position in terms of capability to acquire big international auto firms and manage capital operation.
"They should consider buying companies that produce parts first. The most important for Chinese auto companies is to better themselves."
(Xinhua News Agency July 25, 2009)