The Big Two (Chrysler, as part of Mercedes-Benz, is considered a German automaker) have been viewing the Chinese entry into the U.S. marketplace with apprehension and dreaded expectation. General Motors and Ford, this time, have not forgotten their lessons at literally laughing at Asian automakers. Stated GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, “Remember, the first Toyotas were laughable. The first Hyundais that we saw were laughable.”

Well, Detroit may breathe a little easier at the moment.

The Big Two (Chrysler, as part of Mercedes-Benz, is considered a German automaker) have been viewing the Chinese entry into the U.S. marketplace with apprehension and dreaded expectation. General Motors and Ford, this time, have not forgotten their lessons at literally laughing at Asian automakers. Stated GM Vice Chairman Bob Lutz at this year’s Detroit Auto Show, “Remember, the first Toyotas were laughable. The first Hyundais that we saw were laughable.”

Well, Detroit may breath a little easier at the moment. Chinese automaker Geely International Corp., who displayed its CK sedan at the show (and, incidently, is the first Chinese automaker to do so), will not be bringing its vehicles to the U.S. in 2008 as planned. According to the company, the tested vehicles did not meet the strict U.S. emissions and safety standards. Instead, the company has dropped the $10,000 small car and is now looking to ship a larger, mid-sized sedan by 2009. Businessman Malcolm Bricklin, who introduced Fiat, Subaru, and Yugo to the U.S., said he was not surprised at Geely’s failed attempt and pointed to the company’s lack of experience in U.S. regulations. Bricklin is assisting Chinese automaker Chery to bring its cars in the U.S. by 2008.

Our take? This is a stumbling block. We’re a bit surprised that Geely either didn’t know or ignored U.S. regulations regarding cars. It’s just a matter of time, though, before the automaker creates the right car and markets it at the right price of U.S. consumers who are always welcoming for something feature-rich and inexpensive. We’re following Detroit’s lead in keeping one eye on China while one eye on its own products.

Wrong Turn: China Automaker Hits Roadblock via Brandweek

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