GM revives Jinbei truck joint venture

General Motors will today sign an investment deal to revive its long-stalled joint-venture partnership with First Auto Works Jinbei (FAW Jinbei) in Shenyang.

Production of four-wheel-drive vehicles at the joint venture ground to a halt in early 1995, soon after FAW stepped in to rescue Jinbei on central government orders.

At the time analysts said the poor choice of vehicle - a pick-up truck with very little passenger capacity - was the reason for the venture's failure.

GM would not disclose details of the imminent deal.

'We have not signed yet. We are still negotiating and the negotiations are going well but there will be no details [released] until the official signing,' spokesman Pat Jawkins said.

A Shenyang city government official contacted by the South China Morning Post confirmed the investment had been approved.