Chinese Automaker Poised for U.S. Launch

A Chinese automaker has plans to sell cars in the United States starting in 2020. We’ve heard about other brands from the Asian nation invading North America, but Zoyte really seems like it’s moving in that direction.

Using the recent NADA Show, Zoyte’s U.S. operations announced the first franchised dealer on this side of the Pacific. It also revealed plans for 19 dealerships, scattered throughout the East, Midwest, and California.

Apparently, the original plan was to get Zoyte dealerships established in the U.S. this year, but the trade war with China put that on ice. Instead, we’ll have to wait for Q1 or Q2 of next year to see what Zoyte will bring stateside.

So far, Zoyte is playing its strategy for the U.S. close to the vest. The company has disclosed its first offering here will be a crossover, showing it’s done some homework. Some analysts believe it will be the T600, which is a little long in the tooth since it was launched in the Chinese market for 2013. A redesign is likely in the works, which would allow Zoyte to design the vehicle from the ground up to meet U.S. safety standards.

Whatever vehicle Zoyte brings over, the rumor is it will be about 20 percent cheaper than competitors. Considering how car prices have been inflating quickly in this market, some shoppers might flock to the Chinese brand for financial relief. Zoyte also plans a no-haggle shopping policy, plus the ability to buy a vehicle online.

Source: Automotive News