Shanghai GM in Chinese car recall

Shanghai General Motors, a joint venture between General Motors and Shanghai Automotive (SAIC), is to recall 232,931 cars in China.

The recall is over faulty fuel pipes that could make cars catch fire.

It involves 133,074 2-litre and 2.4-litre Regal sedans made between 18 September 14 October 2010 and 99,857 2.4-litre Lacrosse sedans made from 20 April 2009 and 14 October 2010.

China has become an increasingly important market for US car giant GM.

The problem with the fuel pipes could cause them to crack at the joints under extreme conditions and the engine could fail to start or stop working.

The oil leaks could also start fires, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine said

The carmaker will also recall 2,806 Cadillac CTS cars imported into China from March 21 to repair faulty track bars.

Shanghai General Motors was formed in 1997 with Shanghai Automotive Industry Corporation and General Motors each taking an equal stake in the firm.

Last week GM posted a profit of $4.7bn for all of 2010, its first full-year profit since 2004.