As you may have already heard, Cars manufactured in China are here in America. First it was the Volvo S60 Inscription sedan, then Buick Envision Crossover, and most recently the Cadillac CT6 Plug-In Sedan. That’s not all either, the next-generation Ford Focus is slated to be imported from China as well.

Even more established brands may choose to import Chinese-made cars to America in the future. However, Native Chinese Automakers have been considering entering the American Market, no one has been very serious about the endeavor, and their presentations at NAIAS were often met with ridicule.

But, Guangzhou Automobile Group, commonly abbreviated as GAC, is more serious than any previous entry from the People’s Republic. For the past 2 North American International Auto Shows in Detroit, GAC, has talked about it’s grand plans to bring its Automobiles to American shores in the second half of 2019. In fact, in this years show, they put on a large display, showcasing such cars as its Enverge concept and it’s 7-Passenger SUV, the GS8. They have even been running a full minute ad on channels such as CNBC and CNN, showing how committed they are to becoming the first Chinese Automaker selling its products in the States.

With all this talk, one might take their plan seriously.

But most importantly: Will Washington act against this? Most likely. With President Trump placing large importance in restoring balance in International Trade by doing more manufacturing of consumer goods within the country, he has placed special focus on imported cars. Trump was largely responsible for Ford deciding to manufacture the next-gen Focus in China rather than Mexico. And, it seems trade deficits and the like are a big issue for everybody on the political spectrum. US Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY), known for being vehemently against the current Administration, mentioned GAC on the senate floor last Wednesday, and how Chinas trade rules are unfair.

China-made vehicles only charge a 2.5% tariff coming to America compared to a 25% tariff for US cars heading to the People’s Republic. It is certainly possible something will happen to change that imbalance in the United States’ favor.

Speaking of Donald Trump, a GAC brand name, Trumpchi that has obvious connotations to the US President, was considered as the name GAC would market its USA-bound cars under, but GAC has stressed it is creating a new brand name to market under in the USA.

GAC has also considered partnering with Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA) NV help set up its presence in the states, as it they have an existing Joint Venture in Mainland China to produce vehicles there sold under FCA brands such as Fiat and Jeep.

GAC is likely to have their first model brought to America to be their 7-Passenger GS8 SUV, capitalizing on the market trend of SUVS, Crossovers, and Trucks outselling traditional sedans by a large margin in the USA right now.

However, if Washington doesn’t say no to GAC, and they set up shop importing vehicles here, would they catch on? Native Chinese-Brand Automobiles have a reputation for low quality, and bad results in Crash Safety Tests. And, virtually every American Citizen has purchased many a product with a “Made In China” sticker on it somewhere, and is not fond of the quality these products have , and the resulting decline in American Manufacturing. Like the the Japanese and Korean Cars before them, Chinese cars would likely suffer from association with the nation they come from. Many would immediately say “NO!” to purchasing a car made in a Country notorious for Human Rights violations and Communism, two things many Americans aren’t fond of in any way.

It could happen that GAC sells cars in large numbers here, that the build quality is acceptable, but there is one ultimate truth that makes that a very unlikely scenario.

Everyone will have a bias.

This is a likely scenario. Not one person who considers buying a GAC car will forget where they come from once they find out they are Chinese. Due to reasons already stated, no one will buy them based on quality alone. No one will buy them because they are cheap, because GAC themselves said they don’t plan for their cars to be less expensive than most. No one will buy them because they have aspired to own one due to its appeal to them or especially its cultural status, because they are new to the country. No one will buy them due to being familiar with the brand, although media attention may accidentally and advertising intentionally make that happen. GAC will have to rely almost entirely on the quality, and that doesn’t stand well with the cars coming from a land with a reputation for unsafe cars, and stealing designs. GAC will face an uphill battle in every way possible, likely more than any Foreign Car Brand in the USA will ever face. Therefore sales will start out low- and probably will stay that way for at least 10 years.

Another major disadvantage for GAC will be how much they are risking. While GAC will construct a dealer network or (possibly) tie in with Fiat Chrysler dealer networks, PSA, the French car maker known for Peugeot, Citroen, DS, and now, Opel and Vauxhall, will gradually make its way back into the USA starting with a ride sharing service in select cites, then if the plan works, introduce its own vehicles into the service and eventually, sell its brands through its own dealer network. GAC is risking a lot by jumping right into America, and not taking a cautious approach like PSA.

Nevertheless, GAC wants to sell cars to Americans, and whatever results they get could mean more Chinese Car Brands and Foreign Car Brands try to break into the American Marketplace, and expand car buying in the states for years to come.

What are your thoughts? I myself am not pleased to see Chinese cars coming to America, but am open to hear other perspectives on this move. Thank you for reading, and let me know how you feel.