China's Drive into U.S. Car Market Stalls

Washington DC October 31, 2008; The AIADA newsletter reported that it's been more than three years since Chinese automakers first announced plans to sell cars in the United States beginning last year. China, now the world's second-largest automobile producer, was already selling low-cost vehicles in dozens of countries around the world at the time - with great success.

But with 2008 nearing an end, not a single Chinese-made car sits in a U.S. showroom. The reason: the country's cars still haven't met the emissions and safety standards necessary to export to the United States.

CNN reports that Chery, the country's largest independent carmaker, has twice delayed its U.S. rollout. China's Brilliance Auto and Geely have postponed their U.S. push. While all three are reportedly looking to jumpstart exports to the United States in 2009 or 2010, some analysts predict it won't happen for another five years at least.

Because of bad publicity from the copycat lawsuits and safety concerns, Chinese officials have tightened safety regulations and pressured carmakers to move beyond cheap knockoffs to original designs.

CLICK HERE for photos of 6 Chinese look-a-like models.

China's leading auto executives are shifting their focus to quality, and no longer boast about competing on pricing alone.