Geely and Chery from China to come to U.S.

[Distress]

Geely Automobile Co. plans to sell 25,000 cars priced under $10,000 in 2008. Chery Automobile Co. have plans to sell 250,000 cars a year starting 2007 (which is kind-of strange considering Geely is the first and only China automaker to attend the N.A.I.A.S this year).


The company plans to sell 2,000 cars in Puerto Rico initially and interview owners monthly during a six-month period to ensure that they are satisfied with the vehicles.

"The big mistakes of those who've come to the U.S. too soon, too fast and left with the tail between their legs, that's not going to happen to us," Harmer (chief operating officer of Geely-USA Inc.), said.

"This will be a prize automobile for a young family that doesn't want to be in debt for five to seven years.", Harmer stating that Geely will offer a compelling product, delivering safety and reliability at a low price.

Geely's 7151 CK is the flagship car of China (sad, I know ); "the platform comes from a Korean design" (Daewoo?), and they have a contract with Toyota to design a engine.

Geely is China's leading auto exporter; more than 5,000 vehicles sold outside China last year; such countries include the Middle East and Eastern Europe. Geely plans to eventually sell 100,000 and more for the North America market.

Another competitor for the big two (GM and Ford)? When the Japanese first came to the North American market, they laughed. They aren't this time; "History is bound to repeat itself," said DaimlerChrysler CEO Dieter Zetsche. "The only question is when."

The 7151 CK looks similar to a Kia, which remain unimpressive today unlike the Hyundai Sonata.