As China on four wheels: What May Happen to Taiwan When China Selling Cars to World Wide

 In 2013 Geneva Motor show, besides fancy sport and concept cars, what really catches attendees eyes is Qoros, a new automaker funded by China Chery and Israel Corporation, which aimed to sell Chinese cars into developed Western countries, competing with its Western and Japan counterparts. It means that China no longer merely produces cheap products. But for many Taiwanese car enthusiasts, they may worry how these Chinese automakers will influence Taiwanese car industry, especially for Taiwanese indigenous brand, Luxgen?

   “So far, the impact is subtle” said Zong-Han Lee, a selling consultant who sells Chinese Geely motors in Taiwan. So far, Geely only acquires about one percent market share. Lee explained this situation mainly arising from Taiwanese prejudice toward Chinese products and their preference. Taiwanese tends to focus on brands instead of cars performance, such as safety. Although Geely EC7(named Tobe M’way in Taiwan) has achieved European safety requirements, however it sells miserably when facing distinguished peers with relatively poor safety performance. Moreover, Lee mentioned that due to long-lasted monopoly in cars market, Taiwanese automakers have gradually gone “far from international trend.” However, many Chinese automakers have simultaneously kept improving their quality to survive the most competitive market in China. This substantial difference makes it more unpredictable for the future of Taiwanese and Chinese automakers.

   Still, Chinese automakers are much to desire. For instance, Chinese automakers hardly show their uniqueness from other producers. They tend to mimic what is fashion, including exterior design and interior technology. Besides, after series of frustration in Euro NCAP, people can’t help questioning the reliability and quality of Chinese autos. On the other hand, however, Taiwanese automakers should also start take their Chinese opponent seriously instead of dodging away from challenges. Without doing so, cars made-in-Taiwan may be defeated severely.

More information:

Qoros3 sedan introduction

Tobe M'way