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Companies

‘Made in China’doesn’t hamper Envision’s sales

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Buick’s Envision, the first Chinese-made vehicle imported into the US, has been a steady seller for the General Motors unit since its introduction last year, apparently ducking political headwinds about its country of origin in the Trump era.

The Envision, a mid-sized crossover – a vehicle built on a car platform with the features and styling of a sport utility vehicle (SUV) -was brought to the US market to plug a hole in Buick’s lineup between two SUVs, the larger Enclave and the smaller Encore.

“The Envision has so far been a strong product entry for Buick in both the US and China. It is in a popular segment and a well-executed product, and is being rewarded with healthy sales,” Stephanie Brinley, auto analyst with IHS Markit, wrote in an email.

Brinley said the Envision has quickly grown to become one of Buick’s top-three selling vehicles in the US since its launch in June 2016. A Buick spokesman said the company sold 14,193 Envisions in the US last year and 228,257 in China.

Envision was introduced into the US as Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was criticizing China over its trade policies with the US. David Whiston, an auto analyst with Morningstar, said so far there is only anecdotal evidence that the vehicle’s birthplace is a factor for US consumers.

“I have heard that dealers in the upper Midwest are frustrated about Envision sales but nothing nationally,” he said. “It’s possible the made-in-China issue is the cause of that, given the upper Midwest has a lot of unions. I know from talking to Buick reps that outside the Midwest, Americans don’t care about the made-in-China issue.”

Brinley said it doesn’t appear that sourcing is an issue for most consumers. “It doesn’t replace another vehicle, and we don’t have direct consumer research. However, the model’s sales performance in the US has been healthy,” she said.

The vehicle has generally drawn good reviews from the automotive press in the US. Prices for…

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China

Government subsidies don’t boost Chinese firms’ productivity

China’s industrial subsidies have caused considerable controversy both internationally and domestically. Trading partners have accused China of unfairly favouring its indigenous firms with subsidies, leaving foreign companies at a disadvantage in the race to lead the technologies of the future.

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East Asia Forum

Governments around the world regularly spend an enormous amount of money subsidising businesses. But few spend like China. A 2022 report suggests that China spends 1.7–5 per cent of its GDP on industrial policies, more than most countries.

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Companies

Chinese Smartphone Manufacturer Lays Off 3,000 Employees Following Closure of Chip Design Division

OPPO, a major Chinese smartphone maker, announced the closure of its chip design company ZEKU Technology (ZEKU).

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OPPO, a major Chinese smartphone maker, announced the closure of its chip design company ZEKU Technology (ZEKU).

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Companies

Company Owned by Chinese Billionaire Guilty of Paying $1 Million in Bribes to LA Councilman

A Los Angeles real estate firm owned by a Chinese billionaire is guilty of paying more than $1 million in bribes to a Los Angeles city councilman as part of a scheme that involved luxury cruises, high-rolling trips to casinos, and prostitution.

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A Los Angeles real estate firm owned by a Chinese billionaire is guilty of paying more than $1 million in bribes to a Los Angeles city councilman as part of a scheme that involved luxury cruises, high-rolling trips to casinos, and prostitution.

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