SAIC and GM Celebrate Completion of Steel Structure for Joint Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai
Executives from SAIC and General Motors joined officials from the Shanghai Expo Bureau this morning as the steel structure for the SAIC-GM Pavilion at World Expo 2010 Shanghai was completed.
Shanghai Expo Bureau Deputy Party Secretary Mr. Xu Weiguo, SAIC Motor Vice President Xiao Guopu, and GM China Group President and Managing Director Kevin Wale were among those who witnessed the final bolt being installed.
SAIC and GM, the joint automobile partner of the global exposition, were the first partner to deliver an exhibitor letter of intent and the first to present the theme of their corporate pavilion, “Drive to 2030.” On April 17, they also became the first partner to break ground on their corporate pavilion. With 248 days remaining until the official start of World Expo 2010 Shanghai, SAIC and GM are among the first partners to complete their pavilion structures.
The 6,000-square-meter SAIC-GM Pavilion is located in the Puxi Shanghai Expo Park. It will showcase the two automakers’ advanced automotive technology as well as their vision for urban transportation in the year 2030, which will lead to freedom from emissions, freedom from petroleum dependency, freedom from accidents, and freedom from traffic congestion.
The pavilion design and smooth, fluid lines of its exterior were inspired by an automobile body. Symbolizing “the road to the future,” the external spiral design of the pavilion will convey promise and progressiveness. The design will fully leverage the building’s location on the bank of the Huangpu River and serve as a new addition to the Shanghai skyline.
Amid the more than 3,000 components in the steel structure, there are many sheer arching walls, which have added to the challenge of building the pavilion. Construction has also been challenged by the wettest summer in Shanghai in 70 years. Nevertheless, construction has remained on track.
More than 1,800 tons of steel are being used to construct the pavilion. In addition to providing structural support, metal also covers the pavilion’s conical-shaped external surface.
In fact, the SAIC-GM Pavilion exterior will be cloaked in 4,000 recycled aluminum panels of slightly different sizes, tilt angles and surface cambers.
However, the difference in size is quite small, enabling fit and finish reminiscent of an automobile body. As a result, the skin will have a smooth and seamless appearance.
Technologies such as digital-controlled laying-off, modeling and emendation, which are quite similar to the technologies applied in vehicle body panel processing, are being used to form the pavilion panels. The panels will be coated in metallic paint.
According to Hu Maoyuan, “SAIC and GM look forward to fulfilling our commitment to the Shanghai Expo Bureau by using our enthusiasm and innovative forward thinking to show the world our advanced technology and our view of the future of the automotive industry. We ensure a once-in-a-lifetime experience for all visitors. SAIC and GM fully intend to make the SAIC-GM Pavilion one of the most popular, exciting, influential and farsighted attractions at World Expo 2010 Shanghai.”
"We are excited to have the structure of our joint pavilion completed. This demonstrates the great progress that has been made in a very short period of time and our continued commitment to contributing to the success of Expo 2010,” said Kevin Wale. “Our pavilion will serve as a platform for GM and SAIC to showcase a series of exciting advanced technologies that promise to fast-forward personal urban mobility to the future. GM is working very hard with our partner to make this future a reality.”
Xu Weiguo from the Expo Bureau congratulated SAIC and GM on the progress made on their joint pavilion. He encouraged the SAIC-GM Pavilion team to continue their excellent work and expressed confidence that the SAIC-GM Pavilion would be a highlight of World Expo 2010 Shanghai.
World Expo 2010 Shanghai will run from May 1 to October 31, 2010.
