[dragin]

Nonetheless there's lots of grooming going on....among Chinese manufacturers....
to prepare for the export market, especially the U.S.. The will to get in is there, and a way will be discovered within a matter of time. My guess is that it'll be sooner rather than later.

And what will be the first medium?
Chamco, Brickland, Shelburg, Harmer, Nuttle, HSO Trading, AmAsia International, Global Holdings, Rapton, Tiger Truck's Ward, deng deng.....

 

[dragin]

Shawroom my first sentence was just a play on words, as the person who originally started the thread entitled it,
"Groomy outlook for Chinese auto exports to developed markets"
Looks like the forum moderator's editing spared him redface....

But I think you are right. While a few makers have invested in hiring the talent that it's going to take to succeed abroad, many are just country bumpkins going to the big city with high hopes of making it. They will learn the hard way. Fortunately just last year the State Development and Reform Commission took some action to minimize the damage, by screening out at the most unqualified exporters through licensing.

You are also right about an industry shake out... consolidation is sure to accelerate soon.

Thanks for the heads up about Chang'an.

 

[dragin]

Thanks for that observation Cover. But where does that put Geely, Great Wall, BYD and other private enterprises. Can they survive without the government subsidies and protection that Chang'an, Brilliance and Chery enjoy?

 

[dragin]

most favored son

I don't know about Chery being beaten up locally there in Anhui, but otherwise it seems to have enjoyed a teflon-like existence. Historically it managed to get a lot of passes from the authorities, despite it's illegal method of entering the car manufacturing business.
Here's an interesting piece that describes what I'm talking about:

It was published on the www.weda.gov.cn website in 2005.

"Jun. 12 , Bo Xilai, Minister of Ministry of Commerce, did research works in WEDA (Wuhu Economic & Technological Development Area), visited Chery Automobile Co., Ltd. He promised that Ministry of Commerce will support Chery Automobile Co., Ltd to explore markets at home and aboard and make the brand well-known with great efforts."

In any case it appears now in 2007, to have an unstoppable momentum.
I guess its a patriotism thing. Meanwhile Li Shufu is pedalling as fast as he can.