The Gear Shift

Anyone order Chinese?

I wrote a bit about the unveiling by ChangFeng and so hit the floor to learn a bit more about other Chinese automakers preparing to hit our shores in the near future. 

First up was Chamco Auto, which claims to be in the lead to be first in bringing Chinese assembled vehicles state-side.  They are looking to sign on dealer partners ASAP to get the ball rolling.  Chamco is actually not a manufacturer but rather, an importer and distribution company.  They intend to source product from various Chinese manufacturers and rebadge them under the Chamco brand.  Sound familiar?  If you have $300,000 for a franchise, they are ready to take your application.

Shown in Detroit is a mid-size SUV and four-door pickup.  Each of the products had a simple, generic design to them but appeared to be well constructed, at least by cheap car standards.  Alas, each was powered by an inline 4 cylinder producing a mere 150 hp.  That simply will not get it done except for the most desparate of shoppers.

Next I checked out Geely, for whom this is the second NAIAS.  I did a quick walk-around of the FC.  A decent, midsized sedan which I am told is currently built in China for local consumption but is soon to be exported to Russia and other Balkan countries.  From my cursory observation, Geely is a line of products nearly ready for American buyers. A representative I spoke with advised the new version of the FC is likely to arrive here in the US in a few years.  Does their emblem remind anyone else of Plymouth?

Lastly, there is ChangFeng.  I previously blogged about their model introduction.  Now I returned and sat inside several of their current and near term products.  Like Chamco, they were still a little rough around the edges but it is clear that the Chinese are able to condense much of the learning curve, churning out products very close to those acceptable in the US just a few years ago.  The Liebro CS7 reminded me of the first generation Suzuki Samurai in approach.

Liebro CS6

The new Kylin might find its way here in a year or so.  I hope they improve the fit and finish on their door construction by then. 

Kylin and door detail

Should the American public be interested?  Should the big three be afraid?  Yes and no.  None ofthe folks I spoke with at the displays were able to provide an estimated price for any of their vehicles once they hit our shores.  Pricing is sure to be the single draw for these initially.  From my perspective, the Chinese products will take a familiar path recently traveled by the Koreans, Hyundai and Kia.  At first they will need to cost quite a bit less because they will probably be far worse than average quality.  The difference this time, it is likely only to take 5-10 years for the Chinese to get fully up to speed with products that not only work right, but have their own appeal.  So by 2017 or so, Chinese vehicles are likely to be as common on US soil as sweet and sour pork is at your favorite take out joint.  Before you cast doubt on my fortune cookie prediction, ask yourself a simple question.  Buy anything else made in China recently? 

Exactly!

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• #3 Comment from ziptyed
  5/6/08 9:41 PM | Permalink

  WE MUST BUYING LEAD FILLED BAD STUFF FROM CHINA THAY CANT EVEN GET TOYS RIGHT
• #2 Comment from ma24179
  1/20/08 6:16 PM | Permalink

  I found you in Magic Smoke. Stopping by to say HI! -Missy http://journals.aol.com/ma24179/MISSYZSTUFF
• #1 Comment from shrbrisc
  1/19/08 12:47 PM | Permalink

  I love cars and I am not surprised I agree at first they will be affordable and something for collectors to consider I think we will soon be very dependant on this country for everything scary huh
  
  I received your link thru magic smoke and wanted to invite you to visit my journey .
  hugs
  Sherry
  http://journals.aol.com/shrbrisc/sherrys-public-journey/