Debunking myths about Chinese cars
Cars from the Middle Kingdom are becoming increasingly popular among Russians. According to the analytical agency Autostat, in the first half of 2022 alone, more than 33 thousand cars of Chinese brands were sold in Russia. However, many people still think in stereotypes. Of course, car models produced at the beginning of the 21st century have left their mark on people's minds. But now the situation in the Chinese market has changed radically, and some myths about the Chinese automobile industry have disappeared into oblivion. And if you still think that you can’t buy a “Chinese” product, then you are deeply mistaken.
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Myth No. 1 – Chinese often break down and rot
According to statistics, the percentage of breakdowns of Chinese cars is no different from European or American ones. And the top ten Chinese automakers boast low rates of factory defects.
As for body rot, Chinese automakers have already mastered galvanizing and all modern technologies thanks to their colleagues from other countries, and have successfully introduced them into their production, releasing models with galvanized bodies to the markets. In addition, owners who bought a Chinese car no more than five years ago do not complain about rust or chips.
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Myth No. 2 – Chinese cars are unreliable
Indeed, the reliability of the very first Chinese cars caused many complaints. However, now we can say with confidence that all modern cars in equal classes have similar technical characteristics and levels of reliability. Chinese cars are no exception here.
You can verify this by looking at reviews from car owners and discussions on forums.
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Myth No. 3 - the Chinese have meager basic equipment
Even in the basic configurations of Chinese cars, you can see such bells and whistles that the “Koreans”, “Japanese” and “Europeans” only find in advanced ones.
Thus, the Haval already in its initial configuration boasts a heated steering wheel, rain and light sensors, a sophisticated multimedia system with a touch screen, keyless start and modern climate control.
Chinese cars also have comfortable interior ergonomics, although you will have to get used to the location of some buttons.
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Myth No. 4 – Chinese cars have a terrible appearance
This myth, if it was relevant, was about five years ago. Now in the Middle Kingdom they are producing models that are in no way inferior in appearance to European ones. Designers from China undergo internships and training in design studios in Japan and Europe, which naturally affects the style of the brand.
One of the latest examples is Geely Coolray, which came to the Russian market. If you close the brand nameplate and the inscriptions on the rear of the body, you will never guess that this is a Chinese crossover.
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Myth No. 5 – Chinese is difficult to sell on the secondary market
The only myth that we have to agree with today is the difficulty of selling a Chinese car on the secondary market. Indeed, in Russia people are reluctant to buy new “Chinese” cars, and reselling a used car is doubly difficult. This is all due to the buyers’ worldview and hostility towards the Chinese automobile industry as something cheap and unreliable. Selling a “Chinese” sometimes turns into a kind of quest that can last several months.
conclusions
Chinese technology has long ceased to lag behind the world's leading auto brands. In terms of bells and whistles, China confidently outperforms European models.
