At high speed
But, like I said, they who laugh last, laugh best.
True, the Chinese have not yet reached the international automotive quality standards. Their vehicles don't meet the certification standards yet, while their designs are modeled after the competition instead of being original.
Clearly, there are many challenges ahead.
But don't get fooled: the Chinese are having a crash course on doing business -- and they're learning fast. Kevin Wale, GM's president in China, will be the first to tell you: "What's happening in China right now, we've seen it before in other places. But here, the speed of things is five times faster than what we had expected. "
Experts forecast that the first Chinese vehicles will hit our market in less than five years. Changfeng even expects a shorter delay: "We plan on selling our first few SUVs in North America by 2009," said GM Chen Zengchu.
Looking for a partner
Obviously, Changfeng wants to sell their own vehicles. The Liebao CS6, for instance, could be priced around $25,000 US.
The Chinese manufacturer, however, is looking for a business partner, particularly for distribution. "We don't need help for our products; we already have them. But we need someone for distribution, marketing, media relations as well as service providers. We're looking for 'local' assistance in these regards," said Mr. Zengchu.
Faster than a dragon!
Such partnerships are already beginning to take place. DaimlerChrysler recently signed with Chery for the production of a sub-compact car. You can bet that upon leaving the Motor City, Mr. Zengchu had already collected a few precious business cards...
Here's another "safe" bet: while the Japanese, who came here during the '50s, and the Koreans, in the '80s, took two or three decades to break through the North American market, the Chinese will take half that time to enjoy success on our shores.
Actually, my guess is that it will happen faster than you can say: dragon!
Photo Credits : Geely, Nadine Filion
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| Chen Zengchu, general manager of Changfeng |
True, the Chinese have not yet reached the international automotive quality standards. Their vehicles don't meet the certification standards yet, while their designs are modeled after the competition instead of being original.
Clearly, there are many challenges ahead.
But don't get fooled: the Chinese are having a crash course on doing business -- and they're learning fast. Kevin Wale, GM's president in China, will be the first to tell you: "What's happening in China right now, we've seen it before in other places. But here, the speed of things is five times faster than what we had expected. "
Experts forecast that the first Chinese vehicles will hit our market in less than five years. Changfeng even expects a shorter delay: "We plan on selling our first few SUVs in North America by 2009," said GM Chen Zengchu.
Looking for a partner
Obviously, Changfeng wants to sell their own vehicles. The Liebao CS6, for instance, could be priced around $25,000 US.
The Chinese manufacturer, however, is looking for a business partner, particularly for distribution. "We don't need help for our products; we already have them. But we need someone for distribution, marketing, media relations as well as service providers. We're looking for 'local' assistance in these regards," said Mr. Zengchu.
Faster than a dragon!
 |
| Chen Zengchu, general manager of Changfeng, and his translator, Delphine Chang. |
Here's another "safe" bet: while the Japanese, who came here during the '50s, and the Koreans, in the '80s, took two or three decades to break through the North American market, the Chinese will take half that time to enjoy success on our shores.
Actually, my guess is that it will happen faster than you can say: dragon!
Photo Credits : Geely, Nadine Filion
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