NOVEMBER 11, 2002

Why F1 is going to Shanghai

People in F1 circles have been wondering why the sport should be visiting Shanghai from 2004 onwards but the first signs are beginning to emerge as to why the city has been chosen.

People in F1 circles have been wondering why the sport should be visiting Shanghai from 2004 onwards but the first signs are beginning to emerge as to why the city has been chosen. It is the aim of the Chinese authorities that Shanghai becomes "The Detroit of the East" and the announcement that Shanghai GM, a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation Group, is going to be supplying engines for the Canadian automobile market is an indication of the shape of things to come.

The deal is the first time that an automaker in China will export engines in large volumes to a developed country. The engines in question are GM Powertrain-developed 3.4-liter V6 engines which will be used to power the new Chevrolet Equinox SUV.