"They're bigger than we are and they have more lawyers than we do," Visionary Vehicles spokeswoman Wendi Tush
commented. "It's all about keeping value to the consumer."
Therefore, Visionary will not pursue securing the Chery name in the U.S. Of course, this may be a blessing in disguise. Is Chery really a name that would win respect in North American circles? Not likely.
Visionary is now working towards a replacement name, mulling over five to six alternatives, and plans to announce a new brand name soon. Hmmm... maybe Eagle is available? Or American Motors Corporation (AMC)? Studebaker seems to have given up on its Hummer look-alike,
another GM cease and desist order (see automotive news section for February 18, 2003: GM to Sue Avanti over Studebaker XUV). Desoto? No, most likely Visionary will come up with its own original brand name rather than adopt a nameplate from America's past.
Bricklin's announcement that his company is targeting 250,000 Chery unit sales within the brand's first year in North America alone, through 250 dealerships across the nation, has raised some concern among domestic automakers, so its understandable that GM would be uncomfortable with the Chinese company's current name. Detroit automakers are already losing market share to Japanese and South Korean rivals, so GM, as well as Ford, hardly need an even lower priced competitor vying for its customers.
 |
| "They're [GM] bigger than we are and they have more lawyers than we do," Visionary Vehicles spokeswoman Wendi Tush commented. "It's all about keeping value to the consumer." |
Therefore, Visionary will not pursue securing the Chery name in the U.S. Of course, this may be a blessing in disguise. Is Chery really a name that would win respect in North American circles? Not likely.
Visionary is now working towards a replacement name, mulling over five to six alternatives, and plans to announce a new brand name soon. Hmmm... maybe Eagle is available? Or American Motors Corporation (AMC)? Studebaker seems to have given up on its Hummer look-alike,
 |
| Bricklin's announcement that his company is targeting 250,000 Chery unit sales within the brand's first year in North America alone, through 250 dealerships across the nation, has raised some concern among domestic automakers. (Photo: Visionary Vehicles) |
Bricklin's announcement that his company is targeting 250,000 Chery unit sales within the brand's first year in North America alone, through 250 dealerships across the nation, has raised some concern among domestic automakers, so its understandable that GM would be uncomfortable with the Chinese company's current name. Detroit automakers are already losing market share to Japanese and South Korean rivals, so GM, as well as Ford, hardly need an even lower priced competitor vying for its customers.