SAIC-GM logs first interim net loss as China auto tie-ups struggle

HONG KONG -- General Motors' joint venture with Chinese state-owned player SAIC Motor has suffered its first interim net loss, underscoring the fast-eroding position of once-dominant foreign players.

The latest interim results by SAIC Motor, dated Friday, revealed that its 50-50 joint venture with GM -- SAIC General Motors -- logged a net loss of 2.27 billion yuan ($320.36 million) for the half, a reversal from a net profit of 528.15 million yuan a year earlier. The iconic U.S.-Chinese collaboration had not turned in such a dismal half-year performance since SAIC started disclosing the earnings of its core ventures, including another with Volkswagen.