Brilliance to get a 2008 U.S. debut?
Businessweek reports that Brilliance (yes, that Brilliance) plans to have cars (possibly the Saibao, above) for sale in the U.S. next year for around $20,000. Phoenix, Arizona-based Autokam is behind the import plan and a Flash animation on their Web page says to expect Brilliance products this fall.
Digging around a bit on Autokam's Web site you'll find an Oct. 2006 article from "Dealer" magazine where Autokam founder David Shelburg talks about the status of crash and emissions tests and the difficulties of importing Chinese-made cars. Shelburg also shares his candid opinion of "Automotive News" publisher and editor in chief Keith Crain. "I'm not going to get along with that SOB if it kills me."
[Sources: Businessweek via China Car Times, Autokam, Dealer magazine, ChinaCar USA]
Shelburg also talks a bit about the competition's plans to import cars from China including Malcolm Bricklin, for which Shelburg once worked during Bricklin's Subaru phase. Funny how all things automotive seem connected, isn't it?
In the interview, Shelburg says he's been working since 1992 to bring cars over from China and has been putting the Brilliance Saibao through emissions and crash tests since 2005. Results from those tests, Shelburg says, have led to numerous improvements in the car's quality, performance and safety. If all goes according to plan, Autokam, in partnership with China Car USA, will have the Brilliance Saibao for sale first, followed by the Europa, Hover SUV, Lobo hatchback and M-2 models.
It's hard to say if Autokam can be the first importer of Chinese cars, but what's very clear is that they are coming, they will be inexpensive and regardless of their quality and safety credentials, will put pressure on already established brands. When? Who knows?
_opt_thumbnail.jpg)
_thumbnail.jpg "2011 Audi A8: Live from Miami")
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Chris Vitale 6:11PM (7/03/2007)
Someone who wants to bring thos POS's over here is all about the mighty $ and nothing else. No regard for the consumer whatsoever.
Reply
Viv 6:49PM (7/03/2007)
The minute this POS gets in an accident i hope the dealer is sued for every penny he is worth for knowingly bringing such crap into America.
jg 7:41PM (7/03/2007)
Why should government get in the way of an american exercising his God given right to make money? Socialists look to government for protection. Americans take care of themselves. And we don't sue when we get injured, we rub butter on it and move on. No making lawyers rich for us.
/right wing nutbag rant
Mike I 2:25AM (7/04/2007)
Because here in America, we care about people's lives, whether it be our neighbor or our enemy, much more than we care about making money for ourselves. That may not be how it seems due to our idiot president, but for the most part, with a few exceptions of greedy individuals, that's how it is here.
Mattlach 3:31PM (7/05/2007)
Its not the responsibility of the importer to stop people from making bad decisions.
As long as they do the crash tests and inform customers of the results if their customers want to buy them it's their right to do so, as long as when they get here they meet minimum requirements.
You know there are going to be some people willing to buy them because of their price, regardless of safety and quality. Thats their fault, not the importer.
Heck, it might clean up the gene pool a little.
Don 4:42PM (7/05/2007)
$20,000 for one of those pieces of shit?
Hee. Right.
Drewboy 6:16PM (7/03/2007)
Well... Look at it this way... At least now we have a new brand to make fun of, since Hyundai is moving up in the world...
Reply
Sherief 8:41PM (7/03/2007)
And by hit you mean, hits you as you're walking across the street, as these "Brilliant" cars have all the structural integrity of wet tissue paper.
lintsniffer 6:20PM (7/03/2007)
If one of these hits me, I'll probably have no damage. Fine with me.
Reply
Ed 6:23PM (7/03/2007)
Why?
Reply
DHG 7:12PM (7/03/2007)
I think this David Shelburg is the same guy who told everyone he was going to import Great Wall pickups. That was all talk, a fancy website and no actual product - I'm hoping this will be the same.
Reply
spencer 6:32PM (7/03/2007)
A dealerships in Europe decide to stop selling them because the owner realizes they are death traps, while a dealer in America is jumping at the chance to sell these tin cans on wheels. It's now wonder U.S. car dealerships have bad reputations.
Reply
Hamud 6:33PM (7/03/2007)
I hope the container sunks in the way to NA
Reply
Doc Lucas 6:35PM (7/03/2007)
Attn: Chinese automakers. Please, bring cars like this over to sell for for $20,000. People will not laugh in your faces, they will kiss your cheek for giving us such wonderful autos to enjoy!
Why would anybody buy one of the cars below for the same money? Obviously, your product is superior. Thank you China!
VW Jetta
Ford Fusion
Saturn Ion
Nissan Altima
Pontiac G6....etc.
Reply
Phil 7:39PM (7/03/2007)
Your going to compare that Chinese $hitbox with a Volkswagen??? FYI - VW builds some of the strongest and safest cars in the industry. Evidence the NHTSA and my experiences from two of my friends that are alive today thanks to a basic Jetta Sedan.
Stoneman 8:49PM (7/03/2007)
Piece of crap Chinese knockoffs. Have you not seen the crash test videos of the B6 Brilliance and the other Landwind piece of crap? Would you buy something that is basically a death trap? Is there a price for life in terms of safety?
Doc Lucas 9:11PM (7/03/2007)
I thought my post was so out there that the sarcasm would be obvious :)
VW Jetta = Very safe car, which is why it appeared at the top of my list.
My other point... what a non-bargain a Chinese car is compared to other sub-$20,000 competition.
1337 5:24PM (7/05/2007)
I'd like to see the chinese car reach the efficiency of a VW diesel.
Sung-Hwan Joo 6:40PM (7/03/2007)
According to ChinaCar USA website,
M1(BS6),M2,M3 are made by Brilliance, Hover are made by Great Wall, Saibao are made by Hafei.
So, "Brilliance Saibao" is not correct.
I don't know this will make any differences in terms of quality...though.
Reply
Seminole 6:39PM (7/03/2007)
It's a little late for April Fools China...
I would be afraid to park next to one. If I accidentally ding the door getting out, the poor Brilliance's door may fall off, airbags deploy, and engine catch on fire.
Reply