Toronto auto show to feature made-in-China vehicle

TORONTO -- Over 1,000 vehicles will be on display at the 2016 Canadian International AutoShow, including a made-in-China General Motors (GM) model set to enter the North American market.

GM has confirmed that the Buick Envision, a mid-size crossover, will come to North America. According to GM representative Natalie Nankil, the Chinese-made auto will go on sale in Canada starting in the fall.

The Envision made its American debut at the Detroit auto show this January. GM, among the first automakers to bring cars made in China to North America, is expected to import some 30,000 cars this year.

The crossover is made in GM's plant in China's Shandong province, a joint venture with Chinese partner SAIC that until now has made vehicles for the domestic market.

The Toronto auto show officially opens on Friday. Out of the 44 vehicles premiered in Canada, the spotlight is on the 2016 Honda Civic, which was named the Canadian Car of the Year. Mazda CX-3 took the title of the Canadian Utility Vehicle of the Year.

Among the vehicle launches are the Tesla Model X, its new SUV production vehicle, and the Toyota U2 concept vehicle.

Tesla spokesman Matt Schulwitz said the sales in Canada have been leading and that it is also doing very well in Asia.

"Quarter after quarter we are continuing to ramp up sales and deliveries in China," Schulwitz told Xinhua.