Americans are warming up to Chinese and Indian cars, according to a new survey.
Motor Trend reports, "American new car buyers would consider buying Indian and Chinese manufactured cars if they were offered, a recent study by auto industry consultant AutoPacific found. The survey called 'Opportunity for Chinese and Indian Brand in the USA' questioned more than 30,000 buyers from around the nation. After tallying the results, researchers discovered that 15 percent of the group would consider buying a car from China, while 11 percent would buy one from India."
While those numbers may not sound impressive, Autoblog notes, "Just 16 percent said they would consider a car from Korea." Hyundai and its sub-brand Kia have built a successful business here based on that 16 percent. Study author George Peterson told Autoblog "As Hyundai and Kia have been on the American scene for decades now, it's surprising that consideration for Chinese and Indian brands, sight unseen, would be about as strong as it is for the Korean brands."
Indian companies are best-prepared to take advantage of the warming in American attitudes. India's Tata Motors purchased both Jaguar and Land Rover last year, giving it an entry into the American market, while India's Mahindra Motors is already building a dealership network to begin selling small trucks in the U.S. next year. No Chinese company has yet done the same, but a Chinese construction equipment manufacturer has reportedly entered into an agreement to buy the Hummer brand from General Motors, pending approval by the Chinese government.
If you're in the market for a new car, check out the U.S. News rankings of this year's best cars as well as this month's best car deals.
