“The price factor is fairly decisive,” Ms. Gonzalez said. “I paid $5,500 new and full. Toyota with similar features costs around $12,000.”
Chinese automakers said they were preparing for further expansion in exports to developing countries.
“They’re easy for us to operate in,” said Steven Wang, the deputy general manager for exports at Great Wall Motors Company. “In Europe, they have lots of laws for new entrants, and in Europe and the United States, customers like to keep familiar brands.”
The Chinese companies pose a potential challenge for the overseas divisions of companies like General Motors, Ford, Toyota, Volkswagen and Fiat, all of which are looking to emerging markets for growth and watching the Chinese contenders with varying levels of concern.