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Socia's appointment, effective from July 1, replaces Chris Gubbey, who will be the new chairman and managing director of GM Holden Ltd, GM's Australian subsidiary, according to a statement from the world's largest auto maker yesterday.

GM is targeting one million sales this year in China, the world's second-largest auto market with a 25 percent growth last year, which plays an important role in the company's worldwide recovery.

Sales of GM expanded 31 percent to 876,747 units in China last year through two joint ventures, Shanghai GM and SAIC-GM-Wuling Co Ltd, a mini car maker.

"Shanghai GM will be in good hands with Bob (Socia)," said Kevin Wale, president and managing director of the GM China Group.

"Bob has distinguished himself throughout his 30-year GM career, which began in the United States and has included assignments in Brazil, Germany and South Africa."

Socia, who has been with General Motors since 1975, has held numerous leadership positions in finance, production control and logistics, and purchasing.

Before taking his present post, he was GM Europe vice president for world wide purchasing and chairman of GM-Fiat worldwide purchasing management services.

Shanghai GM, equally-owned venture of GM and Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, beat the venture of Volkswagen AG and Toyota Motor Corp in China as the best seller in passenger car segment over the past two years.

Its vehicles include Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and Saab, selling 413,367 units last year, an increase of 27 percent year on year.

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