fred w, If Chinese manufacturers want to break into the US market your price MUST be way below that of the already established OEM's. There is a place in the US market for cheap forklifts. Low end users who don't use the forklifts much, beer distributors, etc. This was the approach that the Japanese OEM's took when they first hit the US market. You could buy a Japanese built forklift and save about $5,000 over the Hyster's, Yale's and Clark's. Everyone knew the truck would in no way outlast the American made forklift but for many users it was a godsend. Also, the dealers were making about 3 or 4 thousand profit on every truck. This fact alone had dealers lining up to take on a Japanese line. China trucks will never get off the ground without price, fact.

Also, how can a Chinese OEM expect to sell a product made of mostly Chinese parts for the same price as a "US" truck? Plus a huge turnoff is your fit and finish. Simply put your fit and finish is horrible. Cheap paintjobs, massive amounts of bondo on the truck, cheap vinyl (stickers) and cheap seats. Toyota and Cat's fit and finish is exceptional, and you want to sell your truck for the same price or just a little less? No way.

There is a place for a Chinese forklift in America and, I think, a Chinese car. But it better be cheaper because that is the perception that American's have of Chinese products. Until you change that perception, like improving fit and finish to start, you need the price factor.