What is it? Changfeng Motor is the third Chinese automotive company in three years to display its wares at the Detroit auto show. A small manufacturer in China, it unveiled three vehicles that it hopes to sell in the United States under the Liebo and Feibo brand names as early as next year. Two crossovers, the tiny CS7 and midsized CS6 borrow many components from Mitsubishi, including the powertrain and some interior pieces. A pickup truck, the Feibao CT5, is similar in size and appearance to the Honda Ridgeline. None of the vehicles bring anything new or innovative to the table. All three vehicles already look dated with components that could have came from the old parts bins of several manufacturers.
What is new or notable: Like other large-ticket items made in China, these vehicles would likely be very inexpensive in their respective segments, even undercutting Hyundai and Kia. If Changfeng's cars do make it to our shores, they will probably not be the first from China. DaimlerChrysler has already announced a joint venture with Chery Automobile that would likely put vehicles in American showrooms sooner.
CR's take: This was not really the introduction of three new vehicles, it was the formal Stateside introduction of a manufacturer that wants to become a global player. And Changfeng's chairman Li Jianxin made it clear that the prototype he's showing is partnership between his company and American automotive companies and suppliers. Although Americans are becoming used to consuming Chinese products, we wonder if this appetite will extend to Chinese cars.
