Well, I was in China at Christmas and took the opportunity to visit many dealers (as my sister was buying a new car). There is massive opportunity. Dealer standards are way lower than the UK, processes are non-existent, the market is immature with very few finance products and many customers (with loadsa money!!!) are naive compared to the UK.

I would suggest there is a massive area for improvement and as the market develops many will make their fortune. There are twice as many brands and models available as in the UK. Foreign brands a real premium, for instance BMW 2.0i 4dr starts at near £35k, Passats are around £25k and the car my sister chose (Skoda Superb - eh?) also £25k. But hell, people have money so want cars for status.

No poxy diesels, all big engined petrol models, eg: the X5 is NOT 3.0D, but 4.4 V8. No hybrids. Many Chinese brands, but buyers with money look down their noses at these.

Within 1 km of my mums house (in Chengdu a city of 15m people) there are loads of new dealerships inc a Ferrari dealer 5 mins away. Gotta laugh.

Anyone who thinks China is behind the UK needs to take a pill.

Ling

What did I drive? You are joking, driving standards are double-shit. My sis got lost and ended up driving the wrong way up a dual carriageway, but that is considered part of life. You need a LOUD horn.

Me... I got around on the No.5 bus, hahaha! It is 10p for any journey.

Ling

I also saw a lot of those Roewe/MG 550s. Not nice. A very sharp crease just below window line. Already some cars look tatty, matt paint, very beige interiors and very plastic. Nothing like a Lexus IS at all. These are not premium cars.

I really hope they improve the quality if they bring them to the UK. Reminds me of a Kia Magentis thing.