CHINA: Volkswagen and Shanghai’s SAIC Motor said today they have agreed to sell a factory in China’s western Xinjiang region.

The companies also said they were extending their 40-year-old car making joint venture until 2040, ahead of schedule, and that the JV will step up its shift to electric vehicles.

The company said the joint venture site in Xinjiang’s capital Urumqi will be sold to the Shanghai Motor Vehicle Inspection Centre, while preserving the jobs of around 170 workers.