SINGAPORE -- General Motors is considering exporting vehicles from its Chinese division to developing markets in a further sign of China's potential to supply the world with cheaply-built vehicles, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

The troubled U.S. carmaker is evaluating whether there is sufficient demand for exports to markets such as India, Indonesia, the Middle East and South America and will make a decision later this year, Troy Clarke, head of GM's Asian division, said in an interview with the newspaper.

Exports would be of the small vans and buses made by Wuling, a carmaker bought by GM and its Chinese partner, Shanghai Automotive Industry Corp, in 2004.

"No decisions have been made, but it is a very exciting opportunity," Clarke said. "I can't tell you how excited I am about it. The emerging markets could use another $5,000 vehicle."

He said the small vehicles, used as basic people-carriers and vans in areas of China outside the large cities, were not appropriate for developed markets.

....a further sign of China's potential to supply the world with cheaply-built vehicles