Chinese manufacturers have a history of copying products from Japan and the West. Here in the U.S., we would call that theft, but in China that is considered respectful emulation. So, while I don't support specious environmental taxes on domestic or imported goods [see yesterday's post], it seems the better part of wisdom to know from whom you are buying those goods.
How about these examples? Chinese manufacturers' information from here.
Chery Automobile
Chery Automobile Chery Automobile Co.,Ltd. was founded in 1997 in Wuhu City, P.R.China. Despite its humble beginning, Chery has achieved many unlikely breakthroughs and become the fastest growing independent automaker in China. Chery is committed to developing world-class automobiles via cooperation with top engineering firms such as Lotus Engineering of the U.K, and Mitsubishi Automotive Engineering of Japan, and leading auto designing firms such as Bertone and Pininfarina of Italy. In its relentless pursuit of quality, Chery adopts DURR Paint Systems in its paint shop in 2004. In 2005, as a groundbreaking event for Chinese automotive industry, Chery starts producing China¡¯s first high-performance Euro IV engines in cooperation with AVL List of Austria. In addition, in J.D.Power 2004 China Initial Quality Study, Chery QQ finishes NO.1 in compact car segment. With an ambition to become a global player, Chery has so far launched its products in 29 countries. For the time being, Chery is developing a new line-up of products aiming at auto markets in the U.S and EU. In 2005, a strategic partnership is formed between Chery and Vesionary Vehicles of the USA for launching Chery products in North America in 2007. more info on Chery Automobile...
That's the CHEVY - Toyota....
BYD Auto
BYD Auto
BYD Company Ltd. owns more than 40,000 staff members all over the world with its market value over HKD 15 Billion. BYD AUTO has adhered to the international development road and devoted itself to researching, developing and manufacturing the Fuel vehicle-vehicle and Hybrids-vehicle. Inheriting the car manufacturing elite from the former Tsinchuan Auto Co., LTD, which had a history of several decades, and melting the first-class technology of BYD IT and electronic equipments manufacturing, BYD AUTO has become a world-class auto manufacturing company. more info on BYD Auto...
That's the BMW Auto...
Lifan
Lifan Autos and Motorcycles
After 12 years' efforts, Lifan Group rapidly grown up and developed to be a state level large-scaled individually-run enterprise centering on science and technology development, engine & motorcycle manufacture and sales(including export) and incorporating automobile manufacture, soccer industry, financial securities, culture/media Chongqing Lifan Industry (Group) Co., Ltd is the biggest individually-run motorcycle manufacturer in China. Lifan's products are widely sold to over 100 countries covering South-East Asia, West Asia, Europe, Africa, South America. Lifan is new in the Auto industry but may be a very big player in the race of Chinese Auto manufacturers going international. more info on Lifan Car...
That's the Buick...
Qingling Motors
Qingling Motors
Qingling Motors (Group) Co., Ltd. is one of 15 leading automobile manufacturers in China, and is also a large scale automobile group taking Qingling Motors Co., Ltd. as its backbone, 10 important subsidiaries as its cores and more than 200 suppliers as its support. Qingling is engaged in the manufacture of N and T series light commercial trucks, F series heavy commercial trucks and UC series MPVs with the newest technology from ISUZU.
That's Isuzu... maybe we can give them a pass because of an apparent connection to Isuzu... maybe.
Soon we will be importing all sorts of low-priced automotive products from China that seem to be just like the brands we were used to. Economists and government officials will talk about the "China miracle" and wonder why we can't do what they do.
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