General Motors is planning to sell full-size sports utility vehicles in China for the first time.

That's according to GM's China chief, who told Reuters the company will also import a range of models to beef up its lineup in the world's biggest car market.

The plan is a major shift for China's second-biggest foreign automaker, which currently makes all of the vehicles it sells there in domestic factories.

Over 25 million vehicles were sold in China last year.

It's also set to be the only major economy to grow this year, and China's auto sales have picked up in recent months, making it a crucial battleground for global automakers including GM, Volkswagen, and Toyota.

GM is aiming to improve its brand image and support a sales recovery by offering four models: Chevrolet's Tahoe and Suburban, as well as Cadillac's Escalade and the GMC Yukon Denali.

The carmaker added that it sees opportunities for such vehicles in part because Chinese families are expanding.

GM is also considering whether to export electric vehicles made in China around the globe.

Rivals like Tesla and BMW are among a growing number of automakers using China as an export hub for electric vehicles.

GM is set to showcase its latest offerings at the China International Import Expo, an annual trade fair in Shanghai which started on Wednesday and runs into next week.