Zhang Guibing, President of Chery International, the overseas business division of Chinese automotive giant Chery Automobile, recently stated his hope to enter the U.S. market at an appropriate time. Chinese media IT Home reported this on the 20th, citing Reuters.

【その他の写真】

Mr. Zhang said, 'We want to enter at an appropriate time in the future,' but did not disclose a specific timeframe.

The Trump administration hinted at the possibility of accepting Chinese automakers if they manufactured vehicles in the U.S., but U.S. auto industry groups and lawmakers are strongly urging Mr. Trump not to open the door to Chinese vehicles.

Mr. Zhang said, 'The U.S. auto market is huge, and everyone wants to enter it. Naturally, we have such an idea.' He added that any moves would depend on the company's preparedness and future changes in industrial policy in both countries.

The U.S. has been an attractive yet difficult market for Chinese automakers to enter for many years, imposing a 100% tariff on Chinese-made electric vehicles (EVs). Furthermore, restrictions on Chinese-made connected car technology and increased scrutiny by lawmakers are also obstacles.

Chery has not yet added the U.S. to its export destinations and, like other Chinese automakers, is focusing on Europe, Latin America, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia.

Chinese automakers are increasingly forming partnerships with established automakers to utilize idle factories across Europe. Some manufacturers are also establishing or expanding manufacturing bases in the U.S. under non-Chinese brands; Volvo Cars, a subsidiary of Geely Automobile, operates a factory in South Carolina. Ash Sutcliffe, Head of Overseas PR for Geely, stated at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas in January that the company might announce its U.S. business plan within the next 2-3 years.

Chinese EV giant BYD has entered the U.S. market through its electric bus business but has no plans for passenger car sales so far. Xiaomi has also stated that it has no plans to enter the U.S. market.

BYD, Chery, Geely, and Great Wall Motor (GWM) are expanding their operations in Mexico and Latin America, which are seen as potential footholds for entering the North American market. (Translated/Edited by Yanagawa)