General Motors, the world's largest automaker, has started construction of a new R&D center in Pudong district, Shanghai. The center, covering an area of 120,000 sq m, part of GM's China expansion plan, involves a total investment of $250 million.

Located in Shanghai Jinqiao Export Processing Zone, the R&D center will focus on alternative auto energy technologies, new energy propulsion systems, and a higher efficiency industrial chain system. The first phase of the project is expected completion by the end of 2009. By then, GM will move its Asia-Pacific headquarters, including its China headquarters and other operations, to the new center.