http://money.cnn.com/2004/06/27/pf/a...ex.htm?cnn=yes

everything is probably going to be plastic....the dash, the seats, the exhaust, the chassis, the body, the engine...

 

It's nice to see more potential competition.

I wonder if every single part they produce for the car will be stamped "Made in China"

 

I just got back from Shanghai today and you will be amazed at the cars in China. For the most part, I'd say they are only a little bit behind the Koreans. Right now most of the designs are still rehashes of old Toyotas or Nissans (as most Chinese manufacturers licensed technology from them), but some of the new concept cars they've put out rival those of global manufacturers. All of the cars (95%+) use some type of 4 cyl engine that are generally pretty weak, so almost any car imported to the States would be an econobox or really cheap SUV. However I can see them taking the route the Koreans did in the 80's and really gaining market share if they can prove their cars are at least semi-reliable and safe.

 

The Chinese (and Malaysian, etc) brands indeed use old technology from Japanese producers, i.e. Mitsubishi and Toyota. The Volkswagens made in China are about ten years behind in technology compared to the cars sold in America and Europe, but they are upgrading and reinvesting at quite a pace.

 

:wopics:

this sounds really cool. i cant wait to hear more.

 

As long as they don't force labor camp prisoners and such into their car assembly lines, and then disect them once they died for organ sales then it's fine by me.

 

Do you get a fortune cookie with it?

 

I bought a ton of car magazines in China. When I get back to the States I will scan some of them so you can see them. Actually China's factories are some of the most modern in the world as many are built recently. Unfortunately they are tooled only to put out the cheapest and most basic models.

 

Are you sure. The new large Accord and the Mazda 6 are very popular in China. Only VW make 2-generation old cars in China.

 

Hey if they can sell me a brand new plastic car for $500 with a couple year warranty, I'd bite. :chuckles: