2 of 7

No

Write now Article Tools

It was only a matter of time before this market would open its doors to Chinese automobiles. The automotive industry is fast becoming recognized as a global business with different components being sourced from several countries. While there are literally hundreds of cars made in places that Americans will never see, China is a major trader with the U.S. Our nation imports everything from clothing to computer chips from the Chinese. While China may be ruled under a Communist government, the trading practices very much smell of good old Capitalism. If the opportunity to make money presents itself, you can be assured that these businessmen will be interested.

Let's go back about 50 years or so. Toyota first introduced their cars to the U.S. in the late 1950's, barely a decade after the Second World War had come to an end. Volkswagens from Germany had already made their presence and became popular in a relatively short period of time; and with good reason: they were solidly built, extremely reliable and durable for the day, and simple to repair. Understandably, Toyota wanted to get a piece of the action. However, the technology and build quality was far behind both Germany and the U.S. If you wanted a cheap car, nobody had to look further than Toyota. The problem? They fell apart quickly and soon became the butt of jokes. But.... unless you've been hiding out in a Fallout shelter from the Cold War, we all know how this company turned itself around. Toyota is now considered by many to be the most reliable carmaker on the planet. In fact, as of this writing the company has surpassed General Motors as the world's largest automaker.

Some 25 years later, in the mid-1980's, South Korea made their entrance into the U.S. market with the Hyundai Excel. A smaller company known as Kia had put engines into tiny Ford Festivas, but Hyundai was still the first Korean automaker to put their own badge on American-bound cars. Again, a sort of repeat to the early Toyota debacle was realized. The quality was once again far behind what Americans were accustomed to. However, Hyundai has since turned these issues around quite nicely. They took Kia under their wing and now the company makes some very strong, well-built cars. The Genesis, a luxury sedan that is currently arriving in showrooms, is likely to make the competition quite nervous as the cost is considerably lower than comparable models from Japan and Europe.

Since history has a tendency to repeat itself, there are many who predict that China's first offering; the Chery, will take the same initial nosedive as Toyota and Hyundai did in the past. However, I don't think so. I believe the Chinese are well aware of these past disasters and are adequately prepared to take on the competition. There will of course be some bias in some sectors; just as there always has been in the past. To this day; for example, there are those who still refer to Volkswagens as "Hitler's Car" as well as people who refer to Asian cars as "rice-burners," but one must remember that these closed-minded types will never have anything but a product of America's Big Three parked in their driveway, anyway.

In addition, every new car that is sold in this country; regardless of origin, regardless of make, is far better built than even those of 10 years ago. The Chery should be no different. If this car is priced right for its intended demographic, reasonably reliable, and has appealing styling, it should comfortably find its niche.

Learn more about this author, Patrick Sills.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about First Chinese import coming to the US: Will the Chery be a lemon??
We want to hear your view. Write now!