China IS COMING and why Detroit should be worried

The Detroit News January 09, 2007 DETROIT
The Changfeng Group showed its products and issued a clear statement -- it wants to enter the U.S. market. If turnabout is fair play, the Motor City players pouring billions into the booming Chinese market should get set for metal from the Middle Kingdom. In an auto show press event more akin to diplomatic ceremony than industry unveiling, more a geopolitical statement than one of business strategy, China's Changfeng Group took the wraps off a few not-so-special SUVs Monday and issued a clear statement -- it wants to enter the U.S. market, preferably with an American partner… "We are actively looking for collaboration opportunities with the major auto companies and suppliers in the world," Changfeng Chairman Li Jianxin said. "Many of them are right here in Detroit. Changfeng's participation in this auto show symbolizes the initiation of our internationalization campaign. Through the collaboration with local dealers, we will jointly promote Changfeng's products in the North American and global market." And scare the wits out of the United Auto Workers, suppliers and automakers from Detroit to Stuttgart and Toyota City.
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