Source: CCTV.com
11-20-2006 11:14
 |
At the ongoing 2006 Beijing International Auto Show, China's burgeoning homegrown auto brands are rising to the challenge of their foreign counterparts.
A record number of new domestically designed models have taken center stage to demonstrate Chinese car makers' ambitions for the international arena.
Auto customers may be as equally bewitched by the Eastern smile as they are Western beauty. But either way, it's easy for them to see the difference between the two.
China's largest private car maker, Geely, started its business just twelve years ago. But now, its latest futuristic model--which looks like a stealth aircraft--is shocking onlookers at the Beijing International Auto Show which began Saturday.
Some Western rivals have accused the auto-maker of substituting flash for quality. But Geely's boss, Li Shufu, who used to be a farmer, says his sight is far-reaching.
He said: "Quality is first. Technology comes second, then the production cost. If we have advanced technology, but average quality and high production costs, or if we have low production cost but weak technology and low quality, we would not be able to compete."
In its attempts to compete with US, European and Japanese vehicles, Li Shufu's Geely is not alone. Other home manufacturers such as Chery and the First Automobile Group are also gearing up in developing their self-designed products.
Chinese brands now account for about one-fifth of mainland sales. But the government has said it wants to see homegrown cars take 60 percent of the market share by 2010.
Some luxury domestic models like the Hongqi, which is normally reserved for the country's political elite, are even setting their sights on the overseas market.
 |
Jin Yibo, marketing and sales of Chery automobile, said: "If Chinese auto-makers, represented by Chery, can have good performances on China's auto market, it will build up a concrete foundation for us to go out of China and enter the world market."
A couple of years ago, a US businessman said at the Beijing Auto Show that Chinese brands were like children. This time, he says the kids are dwarfing their predecessors, and this year's event is just the beginning.
Related:
Int´l Motor magnates attend auto show
China to continue auto export expansion
People in Biz:Ian Robertson, chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Rolls-Royce Motor Cars Limited
Editor:Wang Ping
