Chinese expect to build cars in Mexico in 2010

[Intrepidation]

There seems to be little doubt that Chinese cars will hit the U.S. market some soon – the big question is when. At least one automaker is suggesting that Chinese cars will enter America by way of Mexico, with production starting in 2010 and sales in the United States by 2015 after first making the rounds in Latin America and Canada. That date may have been sooner had we not hit such a nasty global economic crisis.

Perhaps the most interesting part of this scenario would be the distribution chain. Instead of using franchised dealerships, Mexican-built Chinese cars could be sold at large retail chains like CostCo and Walmart. GS Motors, the Mexican distributor for China's FAW brand, is already trialing this strategy in Mexico and would likely do the same in the States, assuming the program proves successful in smaller markets.

[Robert Hall]

Heh-heh... The Costco Kirkland sedan and Wal-Mart Sam's Pride coupe are inevitable... I predicted this a long time ago.

[Intrepidation]

Makes sense since these stores already sell Chinese pieces of $h!. So when it breaks a week later can I return it without the receipt for a full refund?

[pow]

Heh-heh... The Costco Kirkland sedan and Wal-Mart Sam's Pride coupe are inevitable... I predicted this a long time ago.

Costco seems to carry a lot of US-made goods.

That BC3 actually looks pretty decent. Brilliance makes the 3- and 5-series for the Chinese market.

[SAmadei]

Can't wait to see which Chinese brand Harbor Freight teams up with.

[FAPTurbo]

Costco seems to carry a lot of US-made goods.

I've found quite a lot of NAFTA goods at the one I shop at. Plus, I have yet to buy something from Costco that sucks, or is of bad quality.

If these cars meet Costco's quality standards, and you'd bet they'd be stringent, then this would be an interesting outlet and make for some good competition.

[Robert Hall]

Remember the generic food movement? Cheapo groceries selling unbranded food in white cans/boxes with black letter labels like 'CEREAL', 'CHICKEN SOUP', 'BEER'?

Maybe some retailer will market Chinese cars as generic brand cars...white with with black 'SEDAN' or 'SUV' logos.

[daves87rs]

Cars at Wal Mart.....

[PurdueGuy]

Cars at Wal Mart.....

I'll buy one if it makes it to the clearance isle & ends up like the windshield wipers I just got. $3.50 each, and a $10 mail-in rebate on the pair.

[Intrepidation]