[utfenix335i]

I just came back from China (in fact that's the reason why I'm awake so early in the morning) and I find the article fairly accurate. By far, my counts reveals that Beijing had more Audis, VWs, and Hyundais (by far the most I saw) in Beijing. In Chongqing, more Buicks, Chevys, and Suzukis (the city has a contract with the company to build low cost, clean energy cars for taxi cabs). Shanghai has considerably less Audis but a more variety of cars. In fact, I saw my first M3 in China there.

From what I've heard from tour guides, Audi, VW, Mercedes Benz, GM (Buick and Chevy), and Suzuki have factories in China. Korean and Japanese car companies are only a short boat ride across the East China Sea. It's easy to see why China has such a big car market. However, I learned the last emperor of China wasn't interested in cars because it forced the emperor to sit behind the driver, which was not cool by the emperors. It's because of this that the Chinese car companies are behind foreign car companies. Kinda a silly reason to me.

Anyway, that's my two bits on Chinese Automotive industry.

[mikeouk]

Originally Posted by beemer

on all my trips to China, i have been told BMW stands for Be My Wife, as in that if you have a BMW you can have any women as your wife. i think BMW has a pretty good rep

lol,,in the uk, some people say BMW stands for "below minimum wage",however, i think this is only directed at the joy boys who buy a 15 year old 316 and stick m badges and humungous spoilers on there.
Its interesting that car brands are perceived in such different ways in different countries. In the UK I defiantly think the opinions have changed over the last 10/15 years, back then a mercedes was seen at a higher status over a bmw, i dont think thats the case anymore, they just fit into a different market sector. Audi is seen as a quality brand but doesnt have the same kudos as a merc or a bmw. Anything with an american badge is looked upon as kind of cheap and nasty, unless its a classic of course (pre 70,s), nobody wants to buy a used Chrysler or dodge here unless its mega cheap, and i suspect most of their new sales go to the fleet market.

[termigni]

if you see a car flying down the Turnpike at 100mph weaving in and out of traffic is 80% BMW.

i mean BMWs are THAT good that brings out the confidence in many drivers but c'mon..

[blackmars]

haha, i often do that on pa turnpike!

Originally Posted by termigni

if you see a car flying down the Turnpike at 100mph weaving in and out of traffic is 80% BMW.

i mean BMWs are THAT good that brings out the confidence in many drivers but c'mon..

[zerep1]

Originally Posted by termigni

if you see a car flying down the Turnpike at 100mph weaving in and out of traffic is 80% BMW.

i mean BMWs are THAT good that brings out the confidence in many drivers but c'mon..

greatest quote ever

[Navin323i]

Originally Posted by sali

In India, BMW's are feared as ultimate killing machines. One drunk driver managed to kill 6 people and drive away.

What? Since when? I'm originally from India and have never heard that. Any car there could be feared as the ultimate killing machine if the driver is driving drunk. I don't agree that BMW has that stereotype there.

[Navin323i]

Originally Posted by Voltigeur

Buick is associated with 'high end' status in China, in part due to the fact that the Last Emperor and President were driven in Buicks. The Chinese have a long memory and status is paramount.

Audi & BMW are new kids by comparison so brand mgmt is critical. Not a good image for BMW to have if the headline is a fair representation.

And pls, let's keep this to cars and not internecine debate re CN politics: way to complex and nuanced for any but the experts (and I'm not one!)

I saw a TV documentary one time on Buicks in China. They are built so much better there in China compared to here in the U.S. according to the American person speaking in the documentary who drove the Buick there (a shame since you would think GM would try to make the build quality the same irregardless of whether it's here in the U.S. or China).

[leog80]

Originally Posted by utfenix335i

I just came back from China (in fact that's the reason why I'm awake so early in the morning) and I find the article fairly accurate. By far, my counts reveals that Beijing had more Audis, VWs, and Hyundais (by far the most I saw) in Beijing. In Chongqing, more Buicks, Chevys, and Suzukis (the city has a contract with the company to build low cost, clean energy cars for taxi cabs). Shanghai has considerably less Audis but a more variety of cars. In fact, I saw my first M3 in China there.

From what I've heard from tour guides, Audi, VW, Mercedes Benz, GM (Buick and Chevy), and Suzuki have factories in China.

BMW has factories in China too, on 3 series (non 335i), some 5 series and now x1.

[IancoleTX]

Hahaha shit got real in this thread. Easy does it, Chinese people.

The most stunning thing in the article to me was that Buick does 300% (!!) of their American sales volume in China. That is nuts.

[grimlock]

Next Einstein will be chinese.. OK maybe not.

No wonder I got an evil, shocked, fearful, hateful look from a young, (presumably) mainland tourist, who was carrying a LV/Prade/Gucci bag when i was stopped on Canton Rd. (a shopping area for tourists).
Like I just ran over his newborn or something, geez.

Gives new meaning to the 'murdered out' look

[J-9]

If Buick is one of the most sought-after rides in China, then there's gotta be something seriously quirky in that culture's preferences (although it helps to have an emperor riding around in one). Hopefully some lucky customers get a BMW at a low incentive price.

Oh well, ridiculous fads and stereotypes exist everywhere. Even in this thread, judging by the responses.

[Juicehead]

Originally Posted by 1006will

Nothing is more important than innovation, and that is what companies like BMW, Apple and so on all about. I admire China for its ancient history, for its hardworking citizens, and, IMAO, for its matchless food in the world, but besides these, China has nothing else to offer to the world. Yes, they are great consumers, but they will always be following our steps (or the German's in this case).....At least for now, and sometimes, I feel bad for that many of them (like some Americans I guess) cannot appreciate their exotic rides, besides using them as status symbols.

Just returned from a trip to bejing, I agree with you for the most part (my friends and I had a 2 hour long discussion about this very subject)!

China is still a bit young to be "innovative"(yeah, sounds weird, I know). Their creative juices have yet to flow. I think within the next 10-15 or so years, we will see a change as communism loosens its grip. Right now, their economy consists of mostly "reproduction" capabilities. They cannot keep going the way they do without a middle class.

Lets face it, a communist based country doesn't exactly breed innovation, but I digress.

[P1]

So it seems that BMWs brand association is globally identical then...

[Ernerd]

face it, some part of all of us are douche bags. lol

[M-Power111]

i agree atleast in america the majority of people who drive BMWs shouldnt, poeple should be screened to be able to drive BMWs. Most of them are arrogant yuppie assholes or the stupid wife of the yuppie assholes, its a real shame. But because people cant drive, BMW shouldnt be hurt or thrashed for this. blame the people not the car. i really feel bad for BMW and all other car makers whos image are hurt by stupid drivers.

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by M-Power111

i agree atleast in america the majority of people who drive BMWs shouldnt, poeple should be screened to be able to drive BMWs. Most of them are arrogant yuppie assholes or the stupid wife of the yuppie assholes, its a real shame. But because people cant drive, BMW shouldnt be hurt or thrashed for this. blame the people not the car. i really feel bad for BMW and all other car makers whos image are hurt by stupid drivers.

It really is a shame but that's what happens when you're one, if not the most sought out luxury car maker out there - you'll attract all types of drivers out there.

(still mind blown about all the Audi's in China, when I was there last summer every other car was an Audi on the streets, couldn't believe it and was truly fascinating. And in parking lots? Looked like a parking lot of a dealership; shit load of A6's.)

[M-Power111]

just want to clarify my above statement, i dont mean to insult anyone, anyone in this forum obviousely has a passion for BMW and cars in general. Its directed to all the other people that give car makers and really good drivers a bad name.

[burrito007]

Originally Posted by 98005xi

Funny...I actually know of one true example of this. wow. not mine, of course.

i know of an example of this as well...

[rmani]

Buick is the symbol for the rich, ok yeah..

[M-Power111]

Originally Posted by rmani

Buick is the symbol for the rich, ok yeah..

[R-Kuma]

Originally Posted by Cerezo

I am not quite sure about the Buick part but BMW 3 = the car for the secret mistress.

No, I am not kidding.

LOL that's very true ! The wife usually drives the Merc

[azndunkaddict3d]

I think it really depends on which region of china you're in. Of course when your in Beijing, luxury cars you see are probably driven by a govt official or their children. When you're in SH, you'll probably see more business man driving luxury cars. The stereotype about Buick is interesting tho.