Great Wall Motors is the first Chinese car manufacturer to debut in New Zealand but it ain't going to be the last.

The all new GWM - Wingle.

And after driving one last year in Rarotonga of all places, I was instantly shown the change that's coming as to where the cars we're buying will be sourced from.
Say what you will, but the ‘Made in China' label is the norm and it no longer always means ‘low cost'. These utes, as interesting looking as they are – have been arriving at a price point ($22,000 – 30,000 approx) that gives them a competitive advantage. And they come with a full warranty and support.
In 2008, 9.345 million motor vehicles were manufactured in China, surpassing the United States as the second largest automobile maker, after Japan.
In 2009, economic crisis and all, it's expected to exceed 10,000,000.
New Zealanders bought 73,397 cars in 2008. This equates to 2.6 days worth of sales in China.
Oh, and before you scoff, consider that Airbus, which is currently out-selling Boeing, has just had its first A320 twin-jet roll out of a Chinese factory and off to an airline.
There is biffo and bull galore in F1 at the moment. Apparently, last week all was well, but now it isn't. I wonder if Max Mosley just put his foot down and whipped them all into shape.
Are Suzuki and VW to tie-up? Rumours abound that Suzuki and Volkswagen are looking into a cooperation deal to provide VW with an inexpensive baby car. It has Polo but that's rather dull. And not inexpensive either.