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Sichuan Auto denies interest in GM's Hummer

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-02-17 17:34

Sichuan Auto Industry Group Co, a tiny automaker in southwestern China, has no interest in buying General Motors' Hummer unit, a senior company executive said, denying media reports.

Sichuan Auto was reported to be in talks with GM to buy its sport-utility vehicle subsidiary and could pay up to $500 million for the deal.

"It's a complete rumor. We have never had discussions with GM, nor are we interested in Hummer," said the Chinese executive who asked not to be identified.

Privately-owned Sichuan Auto has about 1 billion yuan ($146.3 million) in assets and nearly 1,000 staff, according to its website. It has a production capacity of 30,000 passenger cars and 5,000 buses annually.

GM, which has to convince the US Congress of its viability in order to keep $13.4 billion in federal loans, has been seeking buyers for its Hummer SUV line, the Swedish brand Saab and a medium-duty truck business based in Flint, Michigan.

Hunan Changfeng Motor Co, partly owned by Mitsubishi Motor, had shown initial interest in GM's Hummer brand, but backed off shortly, a source with direct knowledge of the matter, told Reuters in August.