In the car business it is wise to keep looking in the rear-view mirror because someone may be gaining on you.
That was the case at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit earlier this month when newcomer BYD Auto stole much of the attention from mainland rivals Geely and First Auto Works with its plug-in hybrid mid-sized car, the F6DM (for dual mode).
'I'm impressed by BYD's hybrid with its modern design and high technology,' said Uwe Achterholt, global chairman of automotive at KPMG Germany. 'Cheap, hi-tech cars will be the first step for Chinese carmakers to tap into the US market.'
BYD said the F6DM could go about 100km on one charge and almost 435km using the petrol engine, which recharges the battery. The batteries can be quickly charged to 70 per cent of capacity in 10 minutes.
Three years ago, mainland carmakers thought that having small, inexpensive economy cars was enough to win a share of mature markets, like the United States and Europe.
In 2006, Geely Holding Group became the first Chinese carmaker to take part in the Detroit Car Show, but it faced criticism for failing to pass US safety and emissions tests.
Five mainland car companies - BYD Auto, Geely Holding Group, Li Shu Guang Ming Design, China America Automotive and Changfeng Motor Group - were back this year, and their displays were no longer tucked in the far corners but up near the entrances to the show.
