View Poll Results: Would you buy a Chinese car?
Yes; I'm open to the idea
8
10.96%
Maybe; I'm not crazy about it just yet
10
13.70%
No; I'll stick to egg rolls, thank you
55
75.34%
Voters: 73. You may not vote on this poll
Chinese Cars?
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Portland, Oregon
Chinese Cars?
I just got done watching Motorweek's coverage of the 2011 North American Auto Show from Detroit and according to the episode, Chinese company BYD is planning to start selling here within a year.
My question is this: Would you buy a Chinese-made car? Personally, I'd say no, at least for now and the foreseeable future. Based on some of the behavior from other Chinese companies, I really don't know if I'd want one of their cars.
My question is this: Would you buy a Chinese-made car? Personally, I'd say no, at least for now and the foreseeable future. Based on some of the behavior from other Chinese companies, I really don't know if I'd want one of their cars.
Moderator
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o hell naw. I've seen so many of those concept cars or even production-ready models in pictures on the interwebs, and they look like damn near exact copies of some other cars. I think BYD is one of them........... actually, in the middle of my post I found this... long read, and I skipped a few parts while skimming but its very interesting.
http://forums.motivemag.com/showthread.php?4766709
I sometimes say "I don't give a fuck about what anyone thinks about what I drive" and I do not mind someone making fun of me because of the typical stereotypes associated with certain cars, like F-Body = redneck (I am not even white) or BMW = douchebag (hopefully I am not one). But when it comes to companies like BYD's fresh history of pure imitation, I could not bear to see/hear people constantly bashing the company of the car I bought for the aforementioned reasons.
Still, very interesting as to see how they got to where they are now. I think they'll start off as a joke, much like Hyundai did (and apparently like how many Japanese car manufacturers did) but possibly 25-30+ years from now they may be in the same position that Hyundai is today
At that point in time, I might actually take them seriously and consider their cars once they start innovating and stop imitating. They're growing at an exponential rate, but we'll have to see if they'll crash and burn or turn out to be something more.
http://forums.motivemag.com/showthread.php?4766709
I sometimes say "I don't give a fuck about what anyone thinks about what I drive" and I do not mind someone making fun of me because of the typical stereotypes associated with certain cars, like F-Body = redneck (I am not even white) or BMW = douchebag (hopefully I am not one). But when it comes to companies like BYD's fresh history of pure imitation, I could not bear to see/hear people constantly bashing the company of the car I bought for the aforementioned reasons.
Still, very interesting as to see how they got to where they are now. I think they'll start off as a joke, much like Hyundai did (and apparently like how many Japanese car manufacturers did) but possibly 25-30+ years from now they may be in the same position that Hyundai is today
At that point in time, I might actually take them seriously and consider their cars once they start innovating and stop imitating. They're growing at an exponential rate, but we'll have to see if they'll crash and burn or turn out to be something more.
I am very concerned about quality problems. We'll see if they can get past NHTSA and IIHS testing first.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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From: Virginia
BWM, Ford, Chrysler are all currently being produced in China. The Chinese will take these platforms and build their own cars on top of them. I think they will pass safety test if not be the safest cars built. China wants to be #1 at everything they do, so they will probably have advanced, safe autos if exporting them to the US. They will just copy the platforms already being produced over there by other manufactures. The problem is they need to come in under Kia in price but offer a better car.
I would have never bought anything from Tata Motors, but now Land Rovers and Jaguars are the best they've ever been. I still wouldn't buy Chinese as I wouldn't buy a Kia now, there are too many other options out there that have proven themselves over the years.
http://www.brilliance-auto.com/en/ab...troduction.htm
"Aside from Series 3 and 5 BMW cars produced and marketed under the joint efforts with German BMW Company, our company has set up its self-owned brands named “Zhonghua” and “Jinbei” respectively based on a higher starting point."
I would have never bought anything from Tata Motors, but now Land Rovers and Jaguars are the best they've ever been. I still wouldn't buy Chinese as I wouldn't buy a Kia now, there are too many other options out there that have proven themselves over the years.
http://www.brilliance-auto.com/en/ab...troduction.htm
"Aside from Series 3 and 5 BMW cars produced and marketed under the joint efforts with German BMW Company, our company has set up its self-owned brands named “Zhonghua” and “Jinbei” respectively based on a higher starting point."
Don't want an entire car built by these folks. 
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AZ Community Team
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
@ poll repsonses.If you'd have done this poll in 1975 but said, "Japanese" instead of "Chinese", I'll bet you would have got a similar wave of "No, not me's".
But look what's happened in the intervening 35 years or so.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
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From: Tucson Az
Open to the idea.
I like 70's & 80's bmw's. You can get them very simply equipped, and they are easy to work on
I like 80's & 90's honda... same thing
I think there is something exciting that happens when a car manufacturer is just getting it's footing in a market. Heck there may even be a small economical truck for sale besides the ranger again.
On the other hand I don't want to die in a 30 mph crash. Also even if a car is simple and easy to work on, if the same crappy part dies every 5k miles it doesn't really matter. The other thing is I think I have been reading articles about mahindra bringing trucks over for like 10 years as if it was going to happen within 12 months, and they still aren't hear yet.
I like 70's & 80's bmw's. You can get them very simply equipped, and they are easy to work on
I like 80's & 90's honda... same thing
I think there is something exciting that happens when a car manufacturer is just getting it's footing in a market. Heck there may even be a small economical truck for sale besides the ranger again.
On the other hand I don't want to die in a 30 mph crash. Also even if a car is simple and easy to work on, if the same crappy part dies every 5k miles it doesn't really matter. The other thing is I think I have been reading articles about mahindra bringing trucks over for like 10 years as if it was going to happen within 12 months, and they still aren't hear yet.
Disinformation Terminator
Joined: Jun 2005
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From: NorCal
Fair enough, although the Japanese obsession with quality stands in contrast to the Chinese obsession with low production costs.
Watching the crash test videos was scary as shit. Pretty much no occupant protection as the car just crumples up like an accordion.
Resolve the safety issue first. Then work on quality. But still no go for me since rolling up in a Chinese brand will probably get me on an assignment in Greenland.
Within the first 10 years, probably not. There will be a lot of kinks to work out and issues to resolve before they are really ready for the mass market.
But exactly as Bearcat said, the same mentality was thought of the Japanese cars entering the market back in the 70s and by the 90s, several Japanese automakers were not only able to, but legitimately competed with the major German luxury brands, much as Hyundai has started to do in recent years.
There is always evolution in this market and we should remember that there are a lot of foreign manufacturers building their cars in China now with Chinese labor, so those people are learning the skills and developing the talent and will eventually end up at these Chinese owned brands to pass that along. It's just a matter of time before the Chinese brands become legitimate competitors on a global scale.
But exactly as Bearcat said, the same mentality was thought of the Japanese cars entering the market back in the 70s and by the 90s, several Japanese automakers were not only able to, but legitimately competed with the major German luxury brands, much as Hyundai has started to do in recent years.
There is always evolution in this market and we should remember that there are a lot of foreign manufacturers building their cars in China now with Chinese labor, so those people are learning the skills and developing the talent and will eventually end up at these Chinese owned brands to pass that along. It's just a matter of time before the Chinese brands become legitimate competitors on a global scale.
AZ Community Team
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Hyundai learned a hard lesson in the late 80's/early 90's and they're still recovering from it. The Chinese will learn too.
Last edited by Bearcat94; Feb 9, 2011 at 11:54 AM. Reason: doesn't know a "rake" from a "rack"
Moderator Alumnus
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In time, yes, I would consider one. The Chinese are learning and evolving. The days of spring rolls are behind them. We may decide now they offer little of quality, but that too is changing. The computers we us to participate in this thread are all most likely built in China, assembled in sterile environments in world class factories.
I've travelled to China for a few ventures, and the mentality by most Chinese is refreshing. Driven not so much by greed or a quick buck, they're intent is to become a powerhouse. And they will. A well made car will eventually come from a Chinese manufacturer, and it will probably rival current manufacturers. The Asian market within a few short years will be greater than the North American market. The Chinese know this, and they'll want it.
Terry
I've travelled to China for a few ventures, and the mentality by most Chinese is refreshing. Driven not so much by greed or a quick buck, they're intent is to become a powerhouse. And they will. A well made car will eventually come from a Chinese manufacturer, and it will probably rival current manufacturers. The Asian market within a few short years will be greater than the North American market. The Chinese know this, and they'll want it.
Terry
Registered but harmless
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From: Los Angeles, CA
Acura was created in 1986, but I wasn't going to buy an unproven car from some new company back then, either.
I waited until the hulabaloo and salivating from the enthusiast media died down before getting a 1988 Integra-- my family's first Japanese car.
At least one Chinese car company will sell some decent cars available here within ten years, and I won't ignore such vehicles just because they are marketed by a Chinese company.
Senior Moderator
Joined: Nov 2000
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From: Chicago, IL
Perhaps... but look how long Chinese products have been around, any significant improvemnets in quality? Chinese products still have the rep of poor and cheaply made. It's sad that so many products are made in China. Our company ordered some steel water bottles as an employee giveway, I threw mine away as soon as I saw the "made in China" tag..... my point is, they still have a long way to go.
Your Friendly Canadian
Joined: Dec 2007
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From: Toronto, Ontario
I think BYD had a crash test done on one of its cars a couple of years ago. Horrid results, I'll try to find the video.
True, but from what I hear the early Japanese cars were pretty bad as well. I don't think many people would buy a 1975 Japanese car, even today.
True, but from what I hear the early Japanese cars were pretty bad as well. I don't think many people would buy a 1975 Japanese car, even today.
Fahrvergnügen'd
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From: Maryland
Japanese corporations were fanatically devoted to quality as a way to increase sales and market share.
The Chinese would sell you uranium underpants if they thought it could make them an extra yuan or two.
That's why I won't buy a Chinese car. They'll cut so many corners it'll end up a sphere.
AZ Community Team
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From: N35°03'16.75", W 080°51'0.9"
Perhaps... but look how long Chinese products have been around, any significant improvemnets in quality? Chinese products still have the rep of poor and cheaply made. It's sad that so many products are made in China. Our company ordered some steel water bottles as an employee giveway, I threw mine away as soon as I saw the "made in China" tag..... my point is, they still have a long way to go.
On big difference:
Japanese corporations were fanatically devoted to quality as a way to increase sales and market share.
The Chinese would sell you uranium underpants if they thought it could make them an extra yuan or two.
That's why I won't buy a Chinese car. They'll cut so many corners it'll end up a sphere.
Japanese corporations were fanatically devoted to quality as a way to increase sales and market share.
The Chinese would sell you uranium underpants if they thought it could make them an extra yuan or two.
That's why I won't buy a Chinese car. They'll cut so many corners it'll end up a sphere.
And the Japanese didn't get "fanatical" about quality until they got their asses handed to them by the marketplace.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
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From: calgary
Now I am 100% Chinese. And the short answer is No: I will never buy anything Chinese (if there is a similar alternative). The main problem with Chinese production is really the culture. Hyundai/Kia and Japanese manufacturers really pride themselves in the quality of products they produce. Hence, some Toyota workers were literally in tears when Toyota went through to the media in negative light during all the safety recall issues a year or two ago. Some Japanese citizens were downright outraged claiming North American media was exaggerating the problems.
The majority of Chinese producers are very differently. They are only motivated by one item and one item only: profits. PR and reputation doesn't mean much in China. Chinese producers cheap out on the most unimaginable things, fake noodles that cost pennies a pound, even fake baby formula that killed thousands of infant about 3 years ago. But get this: somehow all the products that go to testing score very well. You just need to buy out the right officials. Therefore all the cars that go to safety tests and press review will be top notch, but I assure you those that go into customer hands will be different. Producers are brilliant liars and cheaters over there.
The majority of Chinese producers are very differently. They are only motivated by one item and one item only: profits. PR and reputation doesn't mean much in China. Chinese producers cheap out on the most unimaginable things, fake noodles that cost pennies a pound, even fake baby formula that killed thousands of infant about 3 years ago. But get this: somehow all the products that go to testing score very well. You just need to buy out the right officials. Therefore all the cars that go to safety tests and press review will be top notch, but I assure you those that go into customer hands will be different. Producers are brilliant liars and cheaters over there.
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Portland, Oregon
On big difference:
Japanese corporations were fanatically devoted to quality as a way to increase sales and market share.
The Chinese would sell you uranium underpants if they thought it could make them an extra yuan or two.
That's why I won't buy a Chinese car. They'll cut so many corners it'll end up a sphere.
Japanese corporations were fanatically devoted to quality as a way to increase sales and market share.
The Chinese would sell you uranium underpants if they thought it could make them an extra yuan or two.
That's why I won't buy a Chinese car. They'll cut so many corners it'll end up a sphere.
Now I am 100% Chinese. And the short answer is No: I will never buy anything Chinese (if there is a similar alternative). The main problem with Chinese production is really the culture. Hyundai/Kia and Japanese manufacturers really pride themselves in the quality of products they produce. Hence, some Toyota workers were literally in tears when Toyota went through to the media in negative light during all the safety recall issues a year or two ago. Some Japanese citizens were downright outraged claiming North American media was exaggerating the problems.
The majority of Chinese producers are very differently. They are only motivated by one item and one item only: profits. PR and reputation doesn't mean much in China. Chinese producers cheap out on the most unimaginable things, fake noodles that cost pennies a pound, even fake baby formula that killed thousands of infant about 3 years ago. But get this: somehow all the products that go to testing score very well. You just need to buy out the right officials. Therefore all the cars that go to safety tests and press review will be top notch, but I assure you those that go into customer hands will be different. Producers are brilliant liars and cheaters over there.
The majority of Chinese producers are very differently. They are only motivated by one item and one item only: profits. PR and reputation doesn't mean much in China. Chinese producers cheap out on the most unimaginable things, fake noodles that cost pennies a pound, even fake baby formula that killed thousands of infant about 3 years ago. But get this: somehow all the products that go to testing score very well. You just need to buy out the right officials. Therefore all the cars that go to safety tests and press review will be top notch, but I assure you those that go into customer hands will be different. Producers are brilliant liars and cheaters over there.
What these guys said...
Someday, an RS6 Avant+
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Japan
+1
Watching the crash test videos was scary as shit. Pretty much no occupant protection as the car just crumples up like an accordion.
Resolve the safety issue first. Then work on quality. But still no go for me since rolling up in a Chinese brand will probably get me on an assignment in Greenland.
Watching the crash test videos was scary as shit. Pretty much no occupant protection as the car just crumples up like an accordion.
Resolve the safety issue first. Then work on quality. But still no go for me since rolling up in a Chinese brand will probably get me on an assignment in Greenland.
It will be a lot of years before I would remotely consider it. There are a lot of cars on my bucket list, and maybe only 40 years left to enjoy driving some of them.
My first Avatar....
Joined: May 2006
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From: NJ
Now I am 100% Chinese. And the short answer is No: I will never buy anything Chinese (if there is a similar alternative). The main problem with Chinese production is really the culture. Hyundai/Kia and Japanese manufacturers really pride themselves in the quality of products they produce. Hence, some Toyota workers were literally in tears when Toyota went through to the media in negative light during all the safety recall issues a year or two ago. Some Japanese citizens were downright outraged claiming North American media was exaggerating the problems.
The majority of Chinese producers are very differently. They are only motivated by one item and one item only: profits. PR and reputation doesn't mean much in China. Chinese producers cheap out on the most unimaginable things, fake noodles that cost pennies a pound, even fake baby formula that killed thousands of infant about 3 years ago. But get this: somehow all the products that go to testing score very well. You just need to buy out the right officials. Therefore all the cars that go to safety tests and press review will be top notch, but I assure you those that go into customer hands will be different. Producers are brilliant liars and cheaters over there.
The majority of Chinese producers are very differently. They are only motivated by one item and one item only: profits. PR and reputation doesn't mean much in China. Chinese producers cheap out on the most unimaginable things, fake noodles that cost pennies a pound, even fake baby formula that killed thousands of infant about 3 years ago. But get this: somehow all the products that go to testing score very well. You just need to buy out the right officials. Therefore all the cars that go to safety tests and press review will be top notch, but I assure you those that go into customer hands will be different. Producers are brilliant liars and cheaters over there.
Needs to be quoted again for all the touchy-feely guys.
Voted "No" for now, but I'll take a wait and see attitude. Probably a decade or more... but still 
Honestly, if this same exact poll was posted ~10 years ago and you replaced Chinese with Korean, I would have said the same thing. Now, I'd look very seriously at Hyundai. The Sonata or Genesis (coupe or sedan) are both very enticing for various reasons. So we'll see where the Chinese stand in a decade or so...
Honestly, if this same exact poll was posted ~10 years ago and you replaced Chinese with Korean, I would have said the same thing. Now, I'd look very seriously at Hyundai. The Sonata or Genesis (coupe or sedan) are both very enticing for various reasons. So we'll see where the Chinese stand in a decade or so...
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Portland, Oregon
I honestly believe that's what's keeping them so long. The Chinese car companies have readily admitted that meeting American emissions and crash standards is a daunting challenge; probably because they can't just pay people off to say it did well.
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From: NY
Nope. Don't trust 'em.
From toys to pet and human food and everything in between, they seem to make crappy and/or downright dangerous products without a care in the world for safety. A toy is one thing...but a car that transports me and my family? Not taking a chance on that.
From toys to pet and human food and everything in between, they seem to make crappy and/or downright dangerous products without a care in the world for safety. A toy is one thing...but a car that transports me and my family? Not taking a chance on that.
