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And that was on top of the endless criticisms they faced for copying designs.
Chery faced lawsuits for allegedly replicating the Chevrolet Spark, which has far superior quality. And on YouTube, 20 seconds into the video, the Chinese hatchback somehow metamorphosed into a frying pan.
Nevertheless, it didn't deter the authorities here from allowing the sales of these makes, despite their apparent concerns about motorists' safety, and a significant volume has been sold.
The variety of preferences by drivers here are vast. Some place emphasis on safety or comfort, some value performance, while most are keen on whichever model is value for money.
And with that in mind, the more budget-conscious can still afford for a car - like the Geely CK. The "CK" stands for "Freedom Ship" and it makes no effort to pretend that it has the quality to rival Toyota or any other Japanese manufacturer.
At first glance, it certainly gives the impression that it is a lot better built than other mainstream cars from middle country. It isn't particularly good-looking but at least the gaps in the shut-lines are comparatively more consistent.
Open the doors and suddenly the price tag is a little difficult to justify. You don't get leather seats - they're fabric - and there aren't even cup holders. The bits and buttons inside have noticeable free-play as well. Overall, it is very spartan - and it has no relation to those courageous, muscular men with red capes.
But at least it has a Toyota engine inside producing 94 hp at 6,000 rpm - sufficient to set the car in motion. Other than the fact that it is a 1.5-litre block, its performance is negligible.
Its rear seats are thick foam cushions, just tucked in nicely - not secured. In fact, you could probably replace them with pillows if you wished. It wouldn't be difficult.
I sat like an overgrown communist at a kotatsu table in a dwarf's hut. The seat was too high, my knee constantly knocked against the steering column every time I braked and if I sat up straight the ceiling would obstruct my glances at overhead bridges for the you-know-whos.
Not that the car would have been a prime target, but it would still have been comforting to look out for oneself.
Well, the suspension flows along nicely with speed humps and its occupants barely feel the bump.
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Not so Spartan lifestyle
However, when you walk into the Geely showroom, there is something reassuring. They are not going to lie to you and tell you that their cars are just like a Toyota Corolla or a Mitsubishi Lancer. In fact, Kevin Lee, sales manager of Exklusiv Auto, readily acknowledges that there are quality issues and plenty of room for improvement. However, he also pointed out that the headquarters in China are constantly and seriously monitoring feedback, and are always updating their cars with the appropriate changes.
But that isn't what they are trying to market. They are targeting the younger families who can "upgrade" their lifestyle by having some form of private transport, allowing them more mobility for leisurely purposes. The types which have been much too overworked and just want to spend some good old quality time with their children, and head out to the mall or the theme park together.
After all, it's not so much of a want anymore, especially when it has been decided that all of us need to give birth to two-point-whatever number of kids to balance out the aging population.
And that is where this car comes in.
You don't so much pay because the car comes with a certain status, but more for that you have one to move your family and yourself with. And that is important in today's society where over-time is the norm - just like waiting half an hour for a public bus, only to see two or three arriving all together, spoiling the mood for mom, dad and the kids.
We don't just need to grow our population to fulfill numbers. We need to foster better relationships as well and this little "luxury" - owning a private car - could just be the little step that leads to more quality time spent with the family. When you arrive at your destination.
