SAIC Motor

Automotive ManufacturingFounded 1955

Market Data Current As Of: September 12, 2026

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SAIC Motor

Automotive ManufacturingFounded 1955

Reviewed by Swet Parvadiya

Last reviewed: September 12, 2026

Market Data Current As Of: September 12, 2026

Company History

SAIC Motor: Founding, Growth & Key Milestones

Founded 1955 in Shanghai, China

Founding Story

In 1955, during the early industrialization of the People's Republic of China, the Shanghai municipal government consolidated local mechanical repair workshops to establish the Shanghai Internal Combustion Engine Components Factory, which later evolved into the Shanghai Automotive Assembly Plant. In 1964, the factory hand-assembled China's first luxury state limousine, the **Shanghai SH760**, which transported foreign dignitaries and government officials for two decades. In 1984, in a landmark move during China's economic opening under Deng Xiaoping, SAIC signed a historic 50/50 joint-venture agreement with Germany's Volkswagen Group to produce the Santana sedan in Shanghai. In 1997, SAIC formed its second mega-joint-venture with General Motors. In 2007, SAIC acquired Nanjing Automobile, bringing the legendary 1924 British sports car marque **MG (Morris Garages)** into its corporate stable, turning Shanghai into the launchpad for a global automotive empire.

Founders

State-Owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission of Shanghai

SAIC Motor was established as the industrial foundation of Shanghai's manufacturing economy. In 1984, municipal leadership spearheaded the landmark joint venture with Germany's Volkswagen Group. SAIC modernized China's automotive supply chain and transformed Shanghai into the undisputed automotive capital of East Asia.

Key Milestones

1955

Shanghai Automotive Predecessors Established

Consolidated mechanical workshops in Shanghai to build domestic automotive components.

1964

Launch of the Shanghai SH760 State Limousine

Produced China's iconic state sedan for government officials and diplomatic events.

1984

Landmark SAIC-Volkswagen Joint Venture Formed

Signed historic Sino-German automotive joint venture to assemble the Santana sedan in Shanghai.

1997

Formation of SAIC-General Motors Joint Venture

Partnered with GM to build Buick sedans, establishing a second mega-production engine.

2007

Acquisition of Iconic British Brand MG (Morris Garages)

Acquired Nanjing Automobile, bringing MG Motor into SAIC to lead global vehicle exports.

2020

Establishment of IM Motors Premium EV Joint Venture with Alibaba

Launched high-end intelligent electric vehicle brand equipped with advanced AI driving software.

2023

Becomes China's #1 Auto Exporter with 1.2M+ Overseas Sales

Delivered over 1.2 million vehicles overseas, powered by the smash-hit MG4 EV in Europe.

2026

Surpasses $100B Revenue Across 5.0M+ Annual Deliveries

Achieved annual revenue exceeding $100.0 billion in USD with solid-state battery commercialization.

Major Acquisitions

Nanjing Automobile (MG Motor & Austin IP)

2007

Acquired Nanjing Auto to secure the intellectual property, engineering assets, and global trademarks of MG (Morris Garages).

SAIC Motor Company History FAQ

What are the defining historical milestones for SAIC Motor?

Since its establishment in 1955, SAIC Motor expanded from an early-stage venture into a recognized leader in Automotive Manufacturing, Passenger Cars, Commercial Vehicles, Electric Vehicles (EV), Hybrid Powertrains & Global Auto Exports, overcoming key market challenges.

What major strategic pivots shaped SAIC Motor's evolution?

Over its history, SAIC Motor executed decisive strategic pivots toward scalable monetization and digital distribution, securing its current market leadership.

How has SAIC Motor adapted to recent industry disruptions?

By continually modernizing operations and embracing workflow automation, SAIC Motor maintains resilience through changing technological and economic cycles.

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Compare SAIC Motor History With Competitors

Over its history, SAIC Motor executed decisive strategic pivots toward scalable monetization and digital distribution, securing its current market leadership.

How has SAIC Motor adapted to recent industry disruptions?

By continually modernizing operations and embracing workflow automation, SAIC Motor maintains resilience through changing technological and economic cycles.