With a production output of 3.64 million vehicles last year, SAIC Motor Corp. Ltd. is China's largest domestic automobile maker.

SAIC is now trying to strengthen its U.S. presence with the establishment of its new North American Operations Center in the Detroit suburb of Birmingham in Michigan.

The center eventually will employ 100 people and focus on purchasing, logistics, technology and engineering, according to a statement from the company's U.S. subsidiary, Shanghai Automotive Industries Corp. USA.

According to aftermarketNews, the new operations center will focus on three main areas of SAIC USA's automotive business:

Purchasing - sourcing and purchasing of automotive parts, materials and components working with almost 150 different North American suppliers.

Logistics - the export and import of automotive parts and components.

Technology and Engineering - design, engineering and quality control for development and production of vehicle parts and components.

Last year, SAIC's joint ventures with General Motors Co. and Volkswagen AG sold more than 4 million vehicles in China.

"SAIC USA will enhance the operation of localization in the recruitment of professional, technical and management personnel and actively expand economic and trade activities," said SAIC chairman Hu Maoyuan. "SAIC USA will continue healthy growth in this market."