This is the most exciting development in the automotive world for maybe 50 years, since the Japanese took on the Europeans and Americans at their own game. Get ready for a plethoria of new competition that will revurberate around the world in the coming decade and bring consumers a new level of choice at mouth-watering prices.
Whilst the Chinese (and Indians) will initially seek to serve their huge home markets they know exports is where the monies at (shame lazy British politicians never understood it was industry that made 'Great' Britain rich, not City bankers).
I was in Hong Kong 12yrs ago and was struck by the price and quality of copy-cat European designed office equipment (pens, staplers, everything office and watches in the upper expo halls) even back then. The Chinese don't mess about and carry the costs of layers of culture and beauracracy before they give you what you want. You have money. You get what you want. Business is that simple!
Whilst the luxury European brands are safe for a decade or two the volume manufacturers of Japan, America and Europe are about to get a hammering in the next 5yrs or so with nowhere to hide. The Chinese will have done their sums on quality, reliability, technology and judging by the very good/funky designs on display know image is an essential Western commodity.
The great news for European consumers is just sit back, be prepared to be pampered and sold to, so enjoy. You're going to get spoilt for choice.
