For the first time, China exported more cars and
commercial vehicles than it imported—by 7,000 units—
over the first 10 months of 2005, according to China’s
Xinhua News.
China’s exports more than doubled year over year to
135,000 units in that period, while vehicle imports
ｄｒｏｐped 12% to 128,000 autos, Xinhua says, citing the
nation’s Ministry of Commerce.
Exports were mostly trucks and low-priced small cars
headed for such developing nations as Algeria, Syria and
Vietnam. As usual, imports are mainly more expensive,
upscale cars from Japan, Germany and the U.S., with an
average price of about $29,000.
Although the net export number is microscopic, it
does underscore China’s desire to develop a strong vehicle
export business. But a study released last week
suggests that quality, design, production and process
management hurdles will temper the country’s enthusiasm.
The survey of key Chinese auto industry executives and government officials suggests China will export no
more than 10% of its automotive output by 2010—and
most of that will continue to go to developing markets.
