John,
Good Point that makes sense. Geeesh it was a mess.......... They might want to try advertising on the super bowl this week, USA Today reported to be alot of empty slots unfilled. lol

Raymond,

Initially,some of the Japanese companies (like Mitusbishi) tried to market there products with their people and met with little success. After they hired American staff supported by Japanese staff they start to become successful.

At ProMat 2009 I looked at some of the trucks from China and found them to be better quality or thicker paint,then ProMat 2007. I did see "panic" and "desperation" plus crude sales tactics at one both.Was asked many times if I wanted to become a dealer.I felt sorry for the young gal and it was kinda creepy too. Felt like I was shopping for a used car back in the 70's. Need to ride with my Yale sales rep and mellow out.

batman

The Japanese brands entered the US market with both good pricing and higher quality than the US built units. Their inroads into theUS market were most significant in the late 70's to mid 80's when most US companies were struggling to provide a quality product or in some cases provide equipment to customers/dealers.

Many dealers started dual lining and first put units in their rental fleet and found that there maintance/repair cost were signifcantly lower than there main lines. For example, dealer found that the tires (Japanese made) would last up to 3 time longer than US supplied (primarily due to the higher carbon black used).

As all good things msut come to a pass - it was discovered their pricing in the US market was too good and all were hit with anti dumping suits - hence they started assembling units in the US and price went up. But they had already established a market acceptance of providing high quality products with good product back up - parts, service and distribution (dealers/national account, etc.)

Dear Fred
What Chinese brand do you represent
Now a day we plan to deal in Chinese forklifts and choosing a partner
write [email address removed]

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.

Thanks every one. At least we could know each other's idea.
Maybe we could have time to talk about the cost of one forklift to see whether there is a company could produce both "high quality" and "low price". I think it's impossible. If a manufacturer could bulit forklifts like that , no other brand forklifts will exist in the world. As all customer will buy the goods with "quality and price"

Ok,let's just post thought~

Someone could indicate some Chinese manufacturers of tires, filters or Battery?

I am agreed with you etharp