The Landwind

economy - Debunking the China car myth

Der Spiegel talks to Dutch car retailer Peter Bijle
velds who finds himself selling a Chinese car, the Landwind, in in Europe. The price, 40 percent cheaper, is the main selling argument 17,000 euro for a five-door SUV, and of course the myth of the Chinese car.

Then he pokes his finger at another cheaply made part of the car. "The work is really pretty bad." If that wasn't already enough to keep one from buying the car, he then adds: "The motor is also a little bit weak."

It is a bad car, is the message, although Bijlveld sold already all the 200 cars he obtained and he intends to sell another 4,000 this year. Then, the first Japanese cars were greeted in a similar way when they entered the European and US markets. At least, it might take be bit of time to make a real car for those markets. (tip by Bing Feng Teahouse)