Chery To Pop?

Bertel Schmitt
by Bertel Schmitt

China’s Chery is one of the few big car companies that is not wedded to a foreigner. All the big ones are in bed with one or more Western (or Eastern) manufacturer. Finally, it looks like Chery might be losing its virginity.

Yin Tongyue, Chairman and General Manger of Chery, was asked about his feelings towards foreign carmakers. His answer: As long as both partners can achieve a mutually beneficial win-win cooperation, Chery is open to it, but only if Chery can enhance its own technical capability through the collaboration. In short. “Yes.”

So who might it be? Chery has been playing footsie with Tata, but the chairman called that “common communication between companies.” What about a joint venture? “We neither pursuit nor reject for the moment,” said the Chairman. Translation again: “Yes.”

“Chery is looking forward to learning from all the companies, as well as close communication with some international automaker.” Translation: “Yes, yes, yes, yeeeeeees!”

Gasgoo reports that talks with JLR have reached an impasse. Chery has also talked with Fiat, Chrysler and other foreign automakers about establishing joint ventures in China, but all came to nothing for various reasons. Soon, we are running out of suitable beaus.

Bertel Schmitt
Bertel Schmitt

Bertel Schmitt comes back to journalism after taking a 35 year break in advertising and marketing. He ran and owned advertising agencies in Duesseldorf, Germany, and New York City. Volkswagen A.G. was Bertel's most important corporate account. Schmitt's advertising and marketing career touched many corners of the industry with a special focus on automotive products and services. Since 2004, he lives in Japan and China with his wife <a href="http://www.tomokoandbertel.com"> Tomoko </a>. Bertel Schmitt is a founding board member of the <a href="http://www.offshoresuperseries.com"> Offshore Super Series </a>, an American offshore powerboat racing organization. He is co-owner of the racing team Typhoon.

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 2 comments
  • Canucknucklehead Canucknucklehead on Sep 25, 2010

    And none of my Chinese in-laws would ever consider buying a Cherry...

  • Blowfish Blowfish on Sep 25, 2010

    Perhaps Chery could be Chebby's concubine one day. Send Sergio the old clip of spaghetti western "For a few dollars more " he might change his mind. "

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