GENERAL Motors Co introduced its Chevrolet Volt plug-in hybrid car to China yesterday, becoming the first global automaker to sell the hybrid car in the nation.

GM doesn't expect immediate strong sales volume from the Volt, but is using the model as a "technical statement" about its technology in car electrification, according to Kevin Wale, head of GM's China operations.

The Volt, launched at the Guangzhou auto show, sells for 498,000 yuan (US$78,385). The car will go on sale at 13 dealerships in eight Chinese cities, including Shanghai, Hangzhou and Guangzhou.

"It's going to take some time for the industry to move through," Wale said during an interview at the auto show yesterday. "And so you have to start the journey, and when you start the journey you have to demonstrate to the public."

He said GM will introduce more electric models to the Chinese market where the company has a plan to double sales volume by 2015.

China plans favorable policies and incentives to support the use of new energy cars and may become the world's largest electric car market in the long run, although insufficient infrastructure and high prices are weighing on the sector now.

Other major car makers like Daimler and Nissan Motor also plan to introduce similar plug-in models in China.

A recent report by Deloitte said electric vehicles have so far fallen short of public expectations as people want them to be able to go farther, require less charging time and sell for lower prices than what's being presently offered by automakers.

The Volt provides up to 80 kilometers of pure electric driving. It sells for US$39,995 in the United States before a federal tax credit.