Chinese Car Companies Cracked North America by Going to Mexico
The country has become a large export market for China’s vehicles, most of which are gas-powered and cheaper than those of rivals.
An Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Co. electric vehicle at the company’s dealership in Mexico City. Mexico was the leading importer of Chinese vehicles last year and trails only Russia this year, according to data from the China Association of Auto Manufacturers.
Photographer: Mariceu Erthal/Bloomberg
When Jorge Ramirez Robledo went to buy a new pickup in October, he encountered an enticing option from a little-known brand in a Mexico City dealership: the JAC Frison T8. At 468,000 pesos ($27,317), the offering from China’s Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group Co. costs about $10,000 less than similar trucks from Chevrolet, Ford and Toyota.
After inspecting under the hood of a bright blue model and peeking inside its spacious leather interior with HD touchscreen, he was impressed with what the vehicle offered for its price. Plus it had a five-year warranty.