The Rise of Chinese Automobiles: Quality Improvements and Design Innovations

In our “Test Drive” section, almost only “tea brands” have been glowing for a year now. What are they, these “new Chinese”? According to subjective feelings, they are so close to the automotive mainstream that if during test drives the nameplate of some Omoda C5 or Haval Dargo was covered with adhesive tape, I would easily decide that this is a Korean or even European crossover. Chinese manufacturers often resort to the services of European designers, the build quality has radically increased, driving habits have leveled off. I remember Chinese cars where the trunk and glove compartment would swing open if the door was slammed too loudly, and the steering wheel seemed to be disconnected from the wheels at all. Now you don’t see that.