Chinese Economics Thread
- Thread starter Norfolk
- Start date
China vs US.... machines vs slaves.
Not sure where to ask this, but does anyone know why are largers cars more popular in China?
In most developing countries you quite often see A to B segment sedans (~4.2 to ~4.5m) and hatchbacks dominating the top seller lists, like the Hyundai Solaris and Lada Granta/Vesta in Russia, Hyundai HB20 and Chevy Onix in Brazil, Perodua Myvi/Axia/Bezza in Malaysia etc
But in China (other than Wuling mini ev) it's mostly C segment (~4.6m to ~4.7m) and above cars like VW Lavida/Bora, Toyota Corolla/Levin, Nissan Sylphy, Buick Excelle GT or SUVs like Haval H6, Changan CS75
Smaller cars seem like they would make more sense in China, given the urbanisation (easier to park), availability of HSR (no need to drive for too long) and expensive fuel prices.
In most developing countries you quite often see A to B segment sedans (~4.2 to ~4.5m) and hatchbacks dominating the top seller lists, like the Hyundai Solaris and Lada Granta/Vesta in Russia, Hyundai HB20 and Chevy Onix in Brazil, Perodua Myvi/Axia/Bezza in Malaysia etc
But in China (other than Wuling mini ev) it's mostly C segment (~4.6m to ~4.7m) and above cars like VW Lavida/Bora, Toyota Corolla/Levin, Nissan Sylphy, Buick Excelle GT or SUVs like Haval H6, Changan CS75
Smaller cars seem like they would make more sense in China, given the urbanisation (easier to park), availability of HSR (no need to drive for too long) and expensive fuel prices.
The back seat.
The big car, should have a more comfortable back seat.
That is how car buying was like in China back in the day, when every rode a bicycle.
The car was a luxury item. People did not drive cars, the VIP was driven around in a car.
That was how Chinese officialdom was like back then when the country was opening up. The officials got cars, because they took some money out of the budget to buy an expensive car and a driver, and they were driven around.
Guess that was how the masses reacted when then got the money to buy cars, and the CCP finally cracked down on local officials blowing money on foreign cars for their own use, but they claim it was for their job. Yeah right. Corruption! Corruption man!
So back then, in many cases, those who had a car, did not drive it, they were driven.
I remember reading one story about how an American was selling cars in China. He said, about the showroom, "The first thing they do, is jump into the back seat."
That was why the Buick, a car that was not stylist in America, was a best seller in China, because it had a big back seat.
The car culture is a little different in China, compared to America.
They also really like this.
They don't like that in America because that was how Kennedy got shot.
Chart showing the rank of Chinese provinces by GDP percent change from 2011-2021. Top 5 are in decreasing order: Guizhou, XiZang (Tibet), Yunnan, Chongqing, Fujian. Bottom 3 are the Dongbei (NE) provinces of Jilin, Liaoning, Heilongjiang. 27th and 28th are Tianjin and Hebei respectively.
Among major cities, Guiyang, Hefei, Fuzhou, Chengdu, Kunming are top 5 in GDP percent increase. Bottom 3 are the capitals of the Dongbei provinces.
Among major cities, Guiyang, Hefei, Fuzhou, Chengdu, Kunming are top 5 in GDP percent increase. Bottom 3 are the capitals of the Dongbei provinces.
Just noticed that Taiwan's gdp in 2021 is only 4.3% of mainland. Would expect this number to go below 4% soon, maybe this year.
There certainly is a cultural factor. A big, comfortable car that looks good projects prosperity... I mean, China is kinda what kept Cadillac and Buick in business for the last 15 years...
It's about the space, and also in Chinese culture big is better. Small hatchbacks are considered cheap car for people who are single, any couple would probably go for a bigger car, just for the larger legroom in the back, for their parents and chirdren.
Remeber that most older generation people in China came from an era where cars are very rare in the country, and many still do not have driving license and car. The younger generation buy car not just for themselves, but also for the family need.
Also considering that most Chinese brand like Haval, Changan and Chery provide very affordable large SUVs in China.