Piece by piece, western manufacturers have seen their perceived benefits over Chinese automobile corporations eroded.
As was evident on the latest Beijing motor present, a number of Chinese automobile corporations at the moment are there or thereabouts with high quality automobiles with worldwide enchantment but that key subject of the standard and enchantment of the manufacturers and branding may be very a lot a dwell argument.
It’s one factor interesting in your house market, fairly one other when being exported, significantly when so many manufacturers and fashions are lumped collectively as ‘Chinese cars’ it doesn’t matter what they’re (together with, I’m certain you’ll have observed, on this piece already).
While the Chinese are nonetheless taking part in atone for manufacturers, it’s a bonus western automobile producers are nonetheless eager to take advantage of and speak up, together with BMW Group’s recently-appointed model and gross sales boss (and ex-China chief) Jochen Goller, who spoke to me on the latest Beijing present.
North Korea and the Western world aren’t pals. Sanctions limit the kind of items the Asian nation can get from the surface world. But that does not preserve every thing out. A video revealed to YouTube earlier this month by a former North Korean exhibits a number of automobiles that should not be there, making for a deeply fascinating have a look at the automobile scene within the dictator-led nation.
The video shot from a bicycle because it rides across the capital metropolis of Pyongyang. Shooting video like a TikTook influencer would not have gone over effectively with the federal government, so do not anticipate glorious manufacturing high quality. Nevertheless, the recording exhibits off plenty of fashions offered by automakers that haven’t any official presence within the nation.
Many of North Korea’s imported autos arrive through dubious channels, usually by way of China and different pleasant nations. Not many individuals personal automobiles in North Korea, with strolling and bicycling being most residents’ major modes of transportation. Vehicle possession is commonly reserved for prestigious members of society.
However, the video exhibits a couple of luxurious autos cruising the broad, Brutalist streets. There are a number of older Mercedes-Benz automobiles, together with W123- and W124-generation automobiles. Toyota is one other fashionable model, with a first-generation Highlander highlighted early within the video. A 3rd-generation Lexus LX exhibits up towards the top simply earlier than what seemed like a US-market Audi Q7 cruises previous the digital camera.
It’s unclear when Jaka Parker, the video’s authentic writer, captured this footage. It seems to have been shot in secret, and it is possible a couple of years outdated. Still, it is good to know there are car-spotting alternatives in a spot as walled-off as North Korea.
Western Forge, the once-largest producer of screwdrivers in the United States, closed down in 2020. For a long time, their tools were available at Sears. However, in 2017, Western Forge and Sears ended their partnership, leading to a legal dispute. When Western Forge laid off all its employees in 2020, Ideal Industries, the parent company, stated that the termination of the Sears contract was a significant factor.
With over 54 years in the industry, it’s likely that you own some of their tools, particularly screwdrivers, with the “WF” letters on the handle. Even though the company is no longer in operation, your tools won’t become useless overnight. However, finding repairs or replacements might be challenging as you may have to switch to a different brand. Nevertheless, your screwdrivers should still be functional for a considerable period, so there’s no immediate need to worry.
Chinese automakers have ambitious plans to expand their activities beyond the national market, similar to Western car manufacturers with their electrification goals. Although they have made progress in specific regions, Chinese brands still face a negative reputation among consumers abroad.
Leading Chinese companies such as SAIC, BYD, Geely, GAC, Chery, JAC, Dongfeng, Changan, and Great Wall have a two-pronged expansion strategy. They aim to penetrate both developed and developing economies, offering products that cater to the different demands of customers in these markets.
Progress On A Global Scale
In certain regions, Chinese automotive manufacturers have achieved double-digit market share, such as in the Middle East and Eurasia, where they reached 10 percent. In Africa, their market share increased by two percentage points compared to 2021. Notably, Chinese automotive brands gained market share in poor and developing economies, rising from 4.79 percent in 2021 to 6.46 percent in 2022. In comparison, European brands experienced a 2.7 point loss, and Korean brands decreased by one point.
Further progress has been noted in the first half of this year. In South Africa, for example, the market share of Chinese brands in passenger cars increased from 6.08 percent in 2022 to 8.83 percent in H1 2023. Similarly, in Israel, it jumped from 8.51 percent to 16.26 percent during the same period.
Russia, due to its isolation from the West through sanctions, has become a significant market for Chinese cars. Their market share more than doubled, from 20.17 percent in 2022 to 50.20 percent in H1 2023. A similar trend was observed in neighboring Kazakhstan.
Chinese brands are also making inroads into Southeast Asia. In countries like Thailand, they saw an increase from 9.39 percent in 2022 to 15.34 percent in H1 2023. In developed markets such as Australia and New Zealand, brands like MG and others are disrupting the sales landscape.
The Situation In Europe
Europe is a long-term aspiration of Chinese automakers. It is one of the world’s most critical markets and a significant target for brands aiming to expand globally. While some Chinese brands have already been selling their cars in Europe for a few years, many more are set to enter the region in the coming months.
According to data from JATO Dynamics and other sources, the market share of Chinese brands in passenger car sales in Europe has grown from 0.67 percent in 2021 to 1.57 percent in 2022, reaching 2.37 percent in the first half of 2023.
In the UK, where MG is experiencing significant growth, Chinese brands achieved a market penetration of 4.26 percent in H1 2023. In Italy, it’s 4.12 percent, and in Spain, it’s 3.45 percent.
Despite the progress, Chinese cars still face reputation issues. Due to copyright problems, a history of low quality standards, and growing political tensions with Western societies, they do not receive much praise abroad. The negative perception surrounding Chinese cars, fueled by politics and economics, makes many people reluctant to try them. Surveys show that Chinese cars receive 62 percent negative reviews from my Instagram channel’s over 140,000 followers, compared to 40 percent for Western brands. Changing this perception will require both investments and time.
The author of the article, Felipe Munoz, is an Automotive Industry Specialist at JATO Dynamics.
Western motorcycle manufacturers teaming up with Indian brands to expand their reach is a common practice. Recently, we have seen partnerships like Harley-Davidson and Hero MotoCorp, as well as Triumph and Bajaj. BMW has been doing this for 10 years and their partnership with TVS has been highly successful. The G 310 series, a result of this collaboration, has been a hit for both brands. In fact, the BMW G 310 range accounted for 90% of BMW Motorrad India’s motorcycle sales in the first half of 2023, with over 4,000 units sold.
Dr. Markus Schramm, Head of BMW Motorrad, expressed his satisfaction with the partnership in a press release. He stated, “This 10th anniversary is an impressive proof of the success and strength of the collaboration between BMW Motorrad and TVS Motor. Our strong synergies have led to the development of impressive offerings in the sub-500cc segment. The BMW G 310 R and BMW G 310 GS single-cylinder models have become immensely popular and have contributed significantly to BMW Motorrad’s global success.”
In addition to the G 310 range, TVS and BMW are working together to develop new platforms and technology for the future of mobility. The recently unveiled BMW CE 02 electric motorcycle was co-developed and designed by TVS, highlighting the ongoing collaboration between the two companies.
Mr. KN Radhakrishnan, Director & CEO of TVS Motor Company, also commented on the partnership. He said, “With the extension and expansion of this partnership towards future technologies and sustainable mobility solutions, we are also in discussions to expand our manufacturing network beyond India. We look forward to developing platforms targeted towards global urban markets and the next generation of consumers.”
In the Asian market, there are motorcycles that are unique and not seen in the western world. These motorcycles are known as underbone motorcycles and are designed for maximum utility and practicality. They are popular on the streets of many Asian cities, alongside scooters and small-displacement commuter motorcycles. Yamaha’s Y15ZR is a popular underbone motorbike in Malaysia.
To make this popular commuter even more exciting, Yamaha has released a new Special Edition version of the Y15ZR exclusively for the Malaysian market. The Malaysian arm of Yamaha, Hong Leong Yamaha Motor, has given this limited edition bike a striking colorway and upgraded bodywork to set it apart from the standard model. The Y15ZR Special Edition is available in a dark blue color with black and red accents, giving it a sporty look. The bike’s bodywork has also been modified with a more aerodynamic lower fairing for a sportier aesthetic.
In terms of technology, the Yamaha Y15ZR Special Edition shares the same robust underpinnings as the regular model. It is powered by a 150cc, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected, single-cylinder engine that has been in use for over a decade. With a single-overhead cam configuration, it produces 15 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 14.4 Newton-meters of torque at 6,500 rpm. The suspension consists of standard telescopic forks at the front and a preload-adjustable monoshock at the rear. The sporty commuter rides on 17-inch wheels both front and back.
The new Yamaha Y15ZR is available at Hong Leong Yamaha Motor dealerships in Malaysia starting August 15, 2023. It is priced at RM 9,498 (approximately $2,052 USD) and comes with a free safety disc lock for added security. The regular Y15ZR is priced at RM 8,998 (approximately $1,944 USD).
Dolores Park is a popular recreational area in San Francisco, California, offering various sports facilities such as tennis courts, basketball court, multi-purpose court, and soccer field. Normally, it is a peaceful place, but over the weekend, an unusual incident occurred when a stolen white Lincoln sedan jumped off the Sanchez Street stairs on Saturday night.
Security camera footage captured the moment a Lincoln Town Car approached the Sanchez Street stairs and soared off the cliff, creating a dramatic sight with the car facing the sun. Thankfully, no one was injured in the incident, including the passengers inside the vehicle. However, the car was stolen, and two individuals can be seen fleeing the scene after the crash.
According to Michael Perez, a nearby resident, there was a woman pulling out a bleeding man from the car. The man wore a full face mask and black clothing, and the woman, also dressed in black, was urgently instructing them to hurry up as they had only three minutes before the police would arrive.
The San Francisco Police Department has confirmed that the car was stolen from its owner, who was carjacked. An investigation is currently underway, but the culprits have not been apprehended yet. Witnesses revealed that the car owner arrived at the scene after the accident and claimed ownership of the vehicle. According to one witness, the car owner stated he was driving past the area when someone opened his door, pulled out another passenger, and hit him on the head with a gun.
Perhaps the most astonishing aspect of this crash is that just a few minutes prior, people were casually walking down those stairs, completely unaware of what would happen. The timing of the incident could have had much more severe consequences. Fortunately, everyone involved in the accident emerged unharmed. Authorities are working diligently to apprehend the individuals responsible for the stolen car.
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