General Motors is optimistic about the long-term prospects in China's car market and a new head has identified three priorities the US automaker must tap.

Robert E. Socia, the new president of GM's operations in China from this month, said yesterday that he expects the country's car sales to accelerate 7 percent next year.

He has prioritized three tasks for GM under his agenda without giving specific goals: growing the luxury brand Cadillac, having a stronger participation in the sport-utility vehicle segment, and boosting the export business.