Chinese Car Brands Narrow Gap on Foreign Rivals in Terms of Quality

Will local, "Made in China" vehicles one day surpass foreign car brands in the Chinese market?

There's a big possibility they can, according to a study conducted by J.D. Power.

And its prediction? Chinese local car makers will catch up--or even surpass--many of the popular global car brands by 2020.

This wasn't something expected, back when the study was started almost two decades ago.

According to J.D. Power, the gap between foreign and Chinese-made local brands were huge when they started their survey in 2000. In their report, there were 834 problems found per 100 vehicles they studied--or around eight defects for each car. But this year, they've closed the gap to 112 problems, which is a mere 13 points higher than many mass-market, foreign-made cars.

Rise of China’s Automotive Industry

It's something global nameplates should be nervous about. More than two decades ago, driving American cars like Cadillac, Jeeep, Lincoln, and even Tesla were major social status boosters in China. And those locally-made "Made in China" vehicles were the last option for those who didn't have enough money to buy an imported vehicle.

Chinese car brand logos @http://www.car-brand-names.com

But now, this belief is fast losing steam. Chinese car makers are catching up not just in interior comfort and finish that many of the established brands boast about, but also in technology as well.

For instance, Chinese car maker Geely Boyue can now sync with Apple Car Play so the driver can ask directions to the nearest gasoline station.

Roewe RX5 created a connected car that runs Internet services on YunOs--Alibaba's operating system.

And even Tesla has something to be scared about. Engineers from Changan Automotive led their autonomous car to 1,200 miles on a highway just last year.

With all these innovations happening right now, which local brands should foreign car manufacturers watch out for? They should pay close attention to Changan Automobile, Great Wall Motors, and Geely Automobiles.

Another company to look closely into is BYD.  Not only did it achieve the highest ranking on J.D Power's Quality study in 2011 and 2013, financial heavyweights like Warren Buffet, Samsung, and Bill Gates have invested in the company, and are now part of its prestigious shareholders.

It’s about "who gets the profits"

Michael Dunne, a car consultant, and author of "American Wheels, Chinese Roads" believes that local car makers' surge in quality is "the beginning of the end of Detroit in China."

A case in point: General Motor's Shanghai factory is known to have higher internal quality standards compared to its U.S. counterparts.

This increase in competency has created a new trend where local auto makers are making more revenue developing their own instead of selling vehicles from their foreign partners.

Dunne explained: "Previously the logic was, 'Why invest billions in creating an all-new Chinese product when you can make fat profits--right now--selling Buicks?' But now the new thinking is, 'Why work hard to sell a Chevy when I can offer our own brand and keep 100% of the revenues?'"

Read All

Featured Articles

Recommended Articles For You

Read All

Featured Cars

  • Upcoming

Car Articles From Zigwheels

  • News
  • Article Feature
  • Advisory Stories
  • Road Test
  • First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    First-ever ‘BYD Grab Day Caravan’ puts spotlight on Seal 5 DM-i
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 11, 2025
  • Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Inchcape PH releases Mercedes-Benz V-Class Elegance
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 11, 2025
  • Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Latest ‘Kia Movement’ leg set this weekend
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Bentley unveils all-electric EXP 15 concept car
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    TMP Tech produces latest batch of technicians
    Ruben Manahan IV . Jul 10, 2025
  • Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Nissan Livina vs. the competition
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 11, 2025
  • Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Exploring the Jetour T2’s interior
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 10, 2025
  • Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Suzuki XL7 Hybrid vs Toyota RAV4 vs BYD Tang: tough-looking NEV options
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Explaining the different types of hybrid powertrains
    Cesar Miguel . Jul 07, 2025
  • Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Check out these basic overlanding items for when you want to enjoy the outdoors
    Paulo Papa . Jul 04, 2025
  • Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Do you still need to wash your car after it rains?
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 12, 2025
  • What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    What should you visit first at MIAS 2025?
    Cesar Miguel . Apr 11, 2025
  • Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Do you really need 4x4 for overlanding?
    Cesar Miguel . Mar 26, 2025
  • Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Number coding 2025: what you need to know
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    EVs still require lubrication, JAMA execs say
    Paulo Papa . Mar 09, 2025
  • Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Honda BR-V S CVT: all about that ‘base’
    Paulo Papa . Jul 09, 2025
  • Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Dongfeng Rich 7 4X4 Upper: ideal entry-level truck
    Paulo Papa . Jul 07, 2025
  • First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    First drive: MG ZS Hybrid+
    Cesar Miguel . Jun 30, 2025
  • BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    BYD eMAX 7 Superior Captain: MPV for modern families
    Paulo Papa . Jun 18, 2025
  • Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Suzuki Ertiga Hybrid: modest mover
    Paulo Papa . Jun 05, 2025