GM's Revival Narrative Isn't Unfolding in the U.S. | Carscoops

      While other Western car manufacturers have experienced declines in sales, GM is quietly flourishing in China with unexpected success.

      On October 10, 2025, Michael Gauthier reported that GM is enjoying a positive trend in China, with an increase in deliveries during the third quarter.

      Buick's sales have surged, driven by high demand for models like the Envision, LaCrosse, and GL8.

      Cadillac's sales have also increased as the newly redesigned XT5 gained popularity among local consumers.

      Though the electric vehicle movement may have slowed in the U.S., it is still thriving in China. In light of this, Buick has announced that all future models will be New Energy Vehicles (NEV).

      This means the upcoming offerings will feature plug-in hybrids, battery electrics, or extended-range powertrains. This marks a significant shift as many existing models currently utilize traditional engines. It may eventually affect U.S. models as well since Buick imports the Envision from China.

      Buick's Strong Performance in China

      Buick is experiencing a remarkable year, with Chinese sales skyrocketing by 54.3% compared to last year. The updated GL8 is performing well, with a sales increase of 24.5%, while the Envision and LaCrosse are even outperforming that. The crossover's sales more than quadrupled in the third quarter, and the LaCrosse's sales nearly multiplied by four.

      The recently introduced Buick Electra L7 has also been met with an enthusiastic response from the market. The company announced that a minivan variant, the Electra, will follow later this year.

      Cadillac and Wuling Also Benefit

      It's not only Buick that is reaping the rewards. Cadillac has experienced a year-over-year sales increase of 11.2%, bolstered by the redesigned XT5, whose third quarter sales almost doubled.

      One standout vehicle that many may not be aware of is the Wuling Hong Guang MINI EV, which attracted around 117,000 buyers last quarter, becoming GM's best-selling NEV in China. This was further supported by the launch of a new five-door variant, which garnered over 77,000 sales.

      In total, GM and its joint ventures delivered nearly 470,000 vehicles in China during the third quarter, marking a 10.1% increase from the previous year, a notable achievement amidst challenges faced by many foreign automakers in the country.