The growing strength of the Chinese car industry is represented by the fact that no less that three carmakers from that country are exhibiting at the Frankfurt Motor Show.
They are Landwind, which already sells an SUV and plans an MPV in Europe; Geely Motors, with an old Citroen-based model amongst its five models, and Brilliance Jinbei, which has an alliance with BMW.
And there is a growing suspicion that, as high-tech western economy cars raise the price bar significantly, China is ready to make a significant impact in the growing 'value brand' market segment currently being developed by Korean- and east Europe-based manufacturing facilities, in many cases by global owners.
China could upset their current market expansion plans. Brian Byrne.
