Chinese cars on the way
Importer Ateco has confirmed that the Chinese-made brand Chery is coming down under.
After three years of negotiations, the two companies have signed a distribution deal and the first cars will arrive in the first quarter of next year.
Chinese cars generally have a reputation for dodgy quality and poor crash protection, although Ateco managing director Ric Hull says they will comply with all Australian Design Rules.
The million-dollar question is, will Australians buy them?
If the price is right, I suspect they will. Ateco has the runs on the board, too. The importer successfully established the Kia brand in Australia before Kia head office took over control in 2005. Prior to that Ric Hull was involved in setting up the Hyundai and Daewoo businesses in Australia.
Hull says the cars may not necessarily be the cheapest in the market (we’ll believe that when we see it) but they will offer the best value for money.
Let’s hope that means lots of standard safety equipment and decent quality.
Do you think Chery will be a success in Australia? I guess we’ve come to except all sorts of Chinese-made consumer goods in recent years, but will people take the same leap of faith with such a big ticket purchase?
Richard Blackburn