China's intrepid carmakers head west

0 Comments | AFP, January, 2007

DETROIT, United States (AFP) — Doubts about the quality and reliability of their belching vehicles are not deterring Chinese carmakers from dreaming big with plans to take on the US market. At the 2007 Detroit auto show, the Changfeng Group said Monday it plans to start selling its sport-utility vehicles (SUVs) and pickup trucks in the world's biggest car market within two years.

In the meantime, DaimlerChrysler's US arm is joining forces with China's Chery Automotive Co. to build small cars in China that could be sold in the United States and around the world within two years. And ZX Auto hopes to become the first Chinese carmaker to enter the United States, from mid-2008, according to the company's US importer, Chamco Auto. The Chinese companies are taking a leaf from the...