The Gear Shift

From Hunan with ... love?

 I wanted to cover a few of the Chinese Automaker introductions so headed downstairs to see what ChangFeng had in store.  With the hoard of journalists headed their way, it is gonna take more that a tiny treat table to satisfy this throng.  Alas, that is all that is available and it is quickly devoured.  I was able to grab half a cookie with is a half more than I started with.

We listened to what sounded like rock music only it was in Chinese.  To entertain us during the wait, we were treated to videos of ChangFeng vehicles doing a variety of racing and off-roading.  Who knew?

Introduced is Wayne County Executive, Robert Ficano, who welcomes ChangFeng for their vision in coming to Detroit to display their wares.  I guess he figures if you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.   Most of us accept that Chinese vehicles will invade our shores in the near future.  Looks like Mr. Ficano is happy to facilitate the process, as long as he can keep Detroit part of the conversation.  Time will tell how open we should keep our arms.

In the meantime, two lovely ladies guard the veiled vehicles from the crowd.  If we really wanted to cause a stir, I think we could overtake them and take a peek.  Nah, best to wait.

Up steps Changfeng CEO Mr. Lee.  He clearly is only beginning to learn English.  I applaud his effort to speak in the native tongue.  Unfortunately, he does not quickly relinquish the podium and goes on with several minutes of best effort English.  I was able to follow most of it but had to rest afterward from the intense focus it took.  I now know how hard it is for speech recognition software to do its thing.

So, the cars looks like decent designs and we should be afraid as a result.  I support consumer choice but can not agree with the wage and worker treatment inequities between the US and China.  No mention of when ChangFeng may try selling their cars here in the States.  I admit it may have been mentioned and missed.  I say, welcome, but please take your time and do it right!

As a parting note, the press kits all contained a small gift, the giving of which I understand to be a Chinese custom.  Nice idea.  Should I finally replace my rear view mirror high school tassel?

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