Chinese Automakers All Set To Challenge The Big Boys

The Rise of the Chinese

The Chinese automakers are all set to expand their horizons beyond the boundaries of China. The Chinese auto market is showing signs of slowdown. The growth of the domestic market is down from 30% to a mere 2.5% forcing the domestic automakers to think beyond borders. More importantly, the influx of international brands is making their life even tougher in their own market.

How many Chinese brands are there?

There are over 40 brands in the Chinese market. Some of the popular ones such as Chery Auto, Great Wall and Geely have already tasted international fame due to their involvement with an already popular automotive brand. Geely, for example, bought over Volvo cars. Chery tied up with Jaguar-Land Rover for joint manufacturing.

Brilliance is working closely with BMW and BYD and Daimler have agreed to develop EVs under the Denza brand. Previously, the Chinese automakers targeted less developed markets such as Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries. But recently they are eyeing for a place in developed ones such as Britain and US.

What are the biggest challenges for Chinese cars?

Perception is the biggest hurdle that Chinese automakers face in the international scenario. The manufacturers themselves are very often perceived as replica manufacturers or copy cats.

Their products are considered substandard and absolute eye sores. However, the Chinese automakers have realized these perception problems and are working with competent international personnel to establish themselves with new designs, features and technologies.

Beijing Automotive Group recently hired Leonardo Fioravanti, the designer of the Ferrari Daytona, to help lift the design and the image of its cars. Chery has brought in Gert Hildebrand, General Manager of Mini Design and Brilliance China Automotive Holdings has brought in Dimitri Vicedomini from the Pininfarina team to make sure their products appeal to the global audience.

Safety is another major issue with Chinese cars. This aspect is too being worked upon. Changan Automobile group has opened research and development centers in the United States, Japan, Italy and Britain. Geely is working with Volvo to help its Chinese offerings become more safer.

Will the “China car” succeed?

Why not? The Koreans did it in the shortest possible time. The Chinese have the manufacturing capacity and are developing the right products for international markets. Who knows, may be we all will be driving Chinese cars in the future.