SHANGHAI General Motors Co Ltd yesterday announced it would start exporting Chinese-made Cadillac SLS to the Middle East early next year.

Shanghai GM, the joint venture formed by Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp and General Motors Corp, will sell the flagship version of its long wheel-based Cadillac SLS 4.6L in the highly competitive market, Shanghai GM said in a statement yesterday.

It's the first export deal for the Chinese-made Cadillac.

The Cadillac SLS, a luxury business sedan, will be equipped with GM's advanced Northstar V8 engine which could generate a top power of 320 horsepower.

Shanghai GM will also debut the model at the Middle East International Auto Show in Dubai from November 13 ahead of the official launch. The car maker said the model has passed all road tests.