GM shares China of the international units, hires former Volvo CEO

DETROIT, Aug 2 Reuters)-General Motors co said on Friday that it has divided critical activities in China by its international units, which is now run by the former Chief Executive of the Swedish automaker Volvo.

Tim Lee, who ran international operations unit for almost four years, was appointed Chairman of GM China and retains its position as the global Chief of manufacturing.

The trains allow more about China, the world's largest automotive market, as well as other rapidly growing and emerging markets focus, the company said GM.

"It will be in a better position to take on the competition and even greater use all opportunities that are available in the international market place" GM spokeswoman Katie McBride said.

GM said that Stefan Jacoby, a former head of Volvo, who worked also as an Executive at Volkswagen AG, as the head of the other international operations will do. This region comprises 100 countries and territories in Africa, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Jacoby, 55, begins his job Monday and will report to GM CEO Dan Akerson.

Jacoby left Volvo in October 2012 after the company missed its revenue targets, including aggressive growth plans in China. Sources said at the time, Jacoby, an important meeting and the strategy Board had clashed with the Deputy Chairman at Volvo.

Jacoby a slight stroke in September 2012, but GM officials said he is fit to international business activities of the company run and turned it off to discuss his health. Volvo said Jacoby left, had his condition nothing to do with the decision to remove him.

Jacoby is the latest former VW Manager GM join.

In January, GM VW named Karl-Thomas Neumann its money losing Opel unit in Europe to drive. Five months later developed GM Tim Mahoney, a former VW Executive as head of global marketing. Last summer, Michael Lohscheller VW U.S. auto manufacturers turned to Opel chief financial officer.

Akerson wants Lee to China, where GM is the market leader, and start on the product of the company's aggressive plans to focus.

GM has more than 60 vehicles worldwide starts this year and in the year 2014, including the recently introduced Chevrolet Silverado and GMC Sierra full-sized pickups, are the main profit generators.

To register for 12 Bob Socia, President of GM China, continue to Lee, two wholly-owned foreign companies, joint ventures and more than 55,000 employees in China is responsible.

"Tim is crucial to building on our success in China and to ensure proper vehicle starting around the globe", Akerson said.

China will still be included in GM coverage is international activities when it comes to financial, however, McBride said.