Also bear in mind likely rates of depreciation, on a brand without an established reputation.

Having tried not to be a bigot with Chinese motorcycles (how hard is it to make a copy of Honda's early '80s XR200, it is after all, a veritable "farmer's axe handle" of a motorcycle) and watching things fail due to broken brackets, broken frame tubes, electrics more dodgy than anything Lucas made for the Britich motorcycle industry, wheels that are neither round nor straight, and unspread split pins being used to locate and secure brake calipers I'd rather wait for the first round of carnage to end before buying Chinese.

Sorry.

It's not bigoted to expect a history of reliability before buying a car.

Good comment re motorcycles. I believe the venerable GN250 is made under licence in China now, and the quality of components and finish leaves much to be desired. So much so, that 1980's models are worth more than one a couple of years old, through having been made in Japan...

The disdain for Chinese products is not xenophobia, it is based on observation and experience.

Both Great Wall utes rated only 2 stars in ANCAP tests, whereas Ford Ranger and Holden Colorado scored 3, and the Hilux and Triton scored 4. This received considerable media coverage, which Dave's friend must have read, even if Dave hadn't.

Much of what is coming out of China is of appallingly bad quality, and it is going to take a lot of hard work for the Chinese manufacturers to convince Kiwis that they can meet (and maintain) European or Japanese standards. It has taken the Korean's 40 years to be taken seriously, and that's still reflected in the resale value of Hyundai versus Honda.

When will the media stop turning to Clive when needing 'expert' commentary on anything car related?

Surely they're better off talking to a more level headed and reputable motoring journalist. We have so many motoring journos in NZ so contacting one at short notice wouldn't be that difficult.

Its not about bigotry, its about crap products.

EG: Chinese made replacement brake discs are notorious for warping and cracking. This is because the automotive industry in china is fledgling and fails in QC and experience.

The Japanese and Now the Koreans Have learnt from their first few decades and now produce Quality stuff.

I'm sorry, but until Chinese QC improves, i wont touch anything with a barge pole. My Childrens lives are at stake.

Well, they did just feature an item on 3 News last night about some consumers being financially compensated for receiving chemical burns from anti-fungal treatment used on leather suites originating from China. China still has some way to go on workers rights, environmental issues and robust build quality and finish (melamine in milk powder or lead based paint on childrens toys anyone?)before they can truly be taken seriously as a manufacturer of note.

I think Chinese car industry is boosting it step and will more and more perfect in the future .not only it safty but also it quality .I‘m as a chinese civilian just want to ask the american customer why you deny chinese car .the incetive of this action just because chinese industry still weak ?I confess chinese industry not as good as american .but we are velocity our pace .and i still want to remind all of the american customer ,when the global finacial cris occur ,the GM and FORD car still sale well in china ,that ofcourse help american treasury . because chinese customer also think american car is perfect .and we also think amercian people are friendly . in return. I hope american customer can take chinese sedan in to consideration. thank you

My computer is made in China and it has run perfectly for a year now. Many if not most electronic componentry is also made in China and work well e.g. my Sony LCD TV.