Archive for the ‘China’ Category

In what could be one of General Motors' smartest moves in recent years, the company has announced plans to roll out its popular OnStar system in China. This marks the first time OnStar will be offered outside North America. The service will be available as of December 6 -- first in Cadillacs, then Buicks, and eventually Chevrolet models. Subscription pricing was not included in the announcement.

GM's decision isn't surprising. China's economy is growing by leaps and bounds, and by all appearances, the country is recovering faster than others from the global economic crisis. Those factors, along with China's continuing trend toward...

A week ago, Bengt Halvorson mentioned the federal government's plan to impose a 35% tariff on tires imported from China. In a move that should surprise absolutely no one, China has now begun laying the groundwork for retaliation: according to the AP, the Chinese government "is carrying out a probe of some imports of American-made autos", allegedly at the request of unnamed Chinese automakers. We don't know the focus of the investigation just yet, but would anyone be shocked if it resulted in new taxes on vehicles imported to China from the U.S.? [BusinessInsider]

If you're anxious already about the growing influence of China in America, brace yourselves for the next decade of cars.

The Wall Street Journal points out this afternoon how China's role in the development, manufacturing and marketing of cars is deeper and wider than ever. According to the paper, consumer trends now are beginning in the Middle Kingdom and making their way to North America and western Europe, in a reversal of history that shows no sign of abating.

The Journal cites examples from Volkswagen to GM, particularly the deep relationship General Motors has with Chinese consumers and American shoppers under the Buick brand. For a...