Will China Inherit the US Auto Industry Market Share? Most Likely a Good Chunk of It

Many economists told us that once China's middlecart these days.
class came up to speed they'd be big buyers andThe Chinese are poised to increase their car
we'd be selling to them. Well, it does not look like that ismanufacturing industry by 10% or more in 2009, and
going to happen, which part you ask? Neither, you seethey are well on their way to doing just that. A friend
China is not going to develop much of a middle classand local economist here recently mentioned to me
for a long time, and even if they do, don't expect all ourthat Franklin Templeton's famous Mark Mobius, who
factories to be going back to work anytime soon. Youspecializes in emerging markets believes that the
see, China is already building airliners, cars, computers,Chinese Auto Sector is the right place to invest right
and will be competing for all of our industries.now, especially consider that 75% of China's car
For instance, China is set to produce some 10.8 millionbuyers are folks that are buying their very first car,
cars in 2008, but American Car Makers will be welland over 85% of them are paying cash, no credit. The
under 10 million total cars sold in 2009 [currentChinese People are big savers, and the cars sell often
projections]. Did you know that the Chinese shippedfor under $5,000.
more cars than any other car maker, Worldwide, in theSome believe that China's automakers cannot sustain
first quarter of 2009, which is a whopping 35% growth,this level of growth indefinitely due to their coming
while US Automakers felt a 40% drop in first quarterinflation, but for now, it's a good bet, that their auto
sales, and with all the tax incentives, give-aways,sales will be driving forward well into the foreseeable
rebates, and discounting going on, it's as if they cannotfuture. So, do not expect the US to be out selling the
even give them away. You can buy a brand newChinese anytime soon. Please consider all this.
Chevrolet Camaro for less than a fully equipped golf