American-sized cars seem to be preferred in China

Buying an automobile is no longer the domain of the wealthy and Communist Party officials. As China’s middle class broadens, a car culture is burgeoning. But in some key ways, the car-buying experience is decidedly different than in the United States. Total sales of all vehicles are rising 20% per year, according to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers. General Motors Corp. sold 1.03 million cars in China in 2007.

In Beijing, there is no expansive auto lot, nor are there repair or collision facilities. And there are few used cars at this location. Test drives are not encouraged because you’ll spend more time sitting in Beijing’s traffic than opening up the engine. Inventory and test drives are offered at a roomy second location in a Beijing suburb.

The Chinese are becoming savvy car shoppers, thanks to the Internet and word-of-mouth referrals from a rapidly expanding customer base. They’re also becoming more sophisticated in their tastes, seeking something light years beyond the Chinese econo-boxes from the 1980s and ’90s.

Then again, there are certain makes of American cars you can not find in the U.S. Supposedly, the quality of American cars in China is superior.  Here’s a few. The Cadillac pictured above is unique to the Chinese market.

Dealers of imported luxury cars with big engine capacities are halting their sales and seeking higher prices before the passenger car tax rise is to finally start on Sept. 1.

Import price of cars with engine capacities of 3 to 4 liters would be increased by 13%, and 33% for those above 4 liters, as a result of the new tax, brought in to promote oil-friendly cars and reduce oil consumption.

Luxury car dealers of brands like BMW temporarily halted their sales until the tax comes into force. The tax rise would have the biggest impact on auto producers from the European Union (EU) and Japan as luxury cars mainly came from those two regions.

General Motors makes more money selling cars overseas than in the United States.

Six decades after the communist revolution, China has become the hottest capitalist engine on earth. And ironically, some of the most revered symbols of success in today’s China are Cadillac, Buick and Chevrolet.

General Motors may be struggling at home, but it is thriving in China. In 2007, GM sold nearly twice as many Buicks in China as it did in the United States.

So why buy American instead of a car made by a Chinese manufacturer? “American producers have a longer history of producing cars and they have better techniques,” said Zhoucheng, a 36-year-old businessman from Shanghai province. I beg to differ with their cars, buddy.

Ford to Reveal Global Car

Ford is set to debut their global small car at the Geneva Auto Show. The joint development of the Fiesta by Ford’s European, African, Asian, American and Australian divisions marks the Fiesta as the first car to come from Ford’s global product development process. This means that there will specific models for the different markets. Sales will begin this fall in Europe, with 5 different engine options available, 3 gas and 2 diesel. The Fiesta will arrive in North America as a 2010 model, as a five door model, with the 3 door still being a possibility.

“Why do you guys give this kind of Buick to the Chinese while giving us crappy Buicks at home?”

To understand the 2008 Buick Enclave, you’ve got to understand the luxury segment of the Chinese automobile market in which Buick (as in B-U-I-C-K) is a top seller. Buick has been in China since 1912. There, it is a revered automotive badge, especially among the country’s upper-income groups who demand top quality and who hold prestige and honor they call it “face”.

Those Buicks were better than any Buicks ever driven or seen in the United States. They are solid and whisper-quiet. Fit and finish were impeccable. Interior craftsmanship (the way materials blended with one another; the impressive attention to detail on the smallest items, such as the feel and weight of glove-compartment doors) was awe-inspiring.

“Why do you guys give this kind of Buick to the Chinese while giving us crappy Buicks at home?,” asks Washington Post’s Warren Brown. His response from a Shanghai Motor official: “This is what the Chinese market expects from Buick.” Hah!