The Chinese car market is the largest in the world, and has been since 2009. 2016 sales are on target to be in excess of 23 million units. Aside from a strong foreign market for manufacturers like Audi, China has several domestic brands, and partner with other manufactures in joint ventures.
High end cars foreign cars in China sell at a significant premium, with a Ferrari 512 Berlinetta, for example, selling for $323,745 in the US market, and $810,000 in the Chinese market due to high taxes on engines four liters and above. Nonetheless, high end brands continue to sell quickly among wealthy Chinese citizens.
Fortunately, less wealthy Chinese citizens pay less for affordable cars than citizens of other countries, thanks to China producing the most inexpensive cars in the world in nearly every category. The Jiangnan TT with a 36 horsepower 0.7 liter three cylinder engine, for example, sells for just $3,177.
The fastest growing car market in China is currently among new energy vehicles; electrics, and hybrids. However, this still accounts for less than 1% of the market. China offers incentives for new energy vehicles such as free license plates, parking, rebates, and an ever increasing presence of public charging stations in an attempt to address a serious problem with air pollution.
Let’s take a look at 30 Chinese cars, which you may never have heard of, that are helping to drive the largest car market in the world.
30. Geely – Emgrand 7
The Emgrand 7 is designed with European standards and meets those standards for environmental safety, security and quality. The design is elegant and aerodynamic. This 4-door high performance mid-sized sedan or hatchback comfortably seats 5 in an interior that rivals that of any luxury brand. Two engine configurations are available: 1.5-liter I4, or 1.8-liter I4, paired with 5-speed manual transmission. The Emgrand 7 is currently the bestselling sedan in China.
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