Archive for the ‘China’ Category

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...

China may not be as isolated as it once was, but there are still cultural differences that set the country apart. To minimize traffic accidents near schools, for example, America created a system of school zones and built a few speed bumps. China, on the other hand, has ordered children to salute every passing car on their way to and from class -- which sounds cumbersome for both students and officials, but the government says there hasn't been an accident since the program began. And hey: if it teaches manners too, as officials hope, perhaps there's something the West can learn. [NYT via KickingTires]

A couple of weeks ago, we reported that Crown -- a consortium of American investors led by former auto industry executives -- is making a play for Volvo. The group's bid for the brand is substantially lower than that of current front-runner Geely, but we pointed out that the Americans do have some advantages at the bargaining table, especially when it comes to one of Ford's biggest concerns: intellectual property. China in general, and Geely in particular, aren't known for respecting IP rights, and as negotiations move forward, we suggested that could become a sticking point.

Apparently, it has become a sticking point.

Two sources close to...