SAIC Motor, China's largest carmaker, sold 2.86 million vehicles during the first half year in 2015, including 2.33 million passenger cars and 529,900 corporate vehicles, according to figures released on July 8.

China's auto market is entering a "new normal" with slow growth. However, SAIC Motor has focused on an innovation-driven development strategy to keep ahead in the industry.

In terms of joint venture brands, SAIC eyed hefty sales thanks to the group’s continuous efforts on product innovation. SAIC-Volkswagen’s TIGUAN has driven the growth of the SUV segment with a monthly sales volume of 20,000 units while SAIC-GM-Wuling’s Hongguang and Baojun brand passenger cars enjoyed monthly sales of 50,000 and 30,000 units respectively, accelerating the development of the MPV segment.

As for the company’s wholly-owned brands, SAIC has followed the principle of energy conservation and performance improvement for both traditional cars and new energy vehicles. The MG GS brand cars witnessed monthly sales of 5,000 units and the sales volume of Roewe plug-in hybrid exceeded 3,300 units during the first half year in 2015, more than the total number in 2014.

The company also set up a venture capital and innovation center for technological research on new energy, new materials and intelligence. SAIC plans to launch 13 new cars in the next three years, including four  new energy vehicles.

In addition, SAIC Motor has insisted on promoting its influence around the world, with the MG3, that debuted in Thailand in March, winning acclaim from both media and customers.

The Maxus Datong, SAIC's first self-developed commercial vehicle, has been exported to 33 countries and regions. Its sales in the overseas market from January to June in 2015 soared by 333 percent compared to the same period last year.

SAIC will take the advantage of Shanghai Free Trade Zone and continue with its global development strategy to tap into the Middle East and South American markets.