Kira X

iTrader: (24)

I guess it doesn't hurt to have a few different engine options like the German cars do.

Toys4RJill

I agree. It's nice to have many options. 415 hp for China is probably overkill.

Aron9000

There is still a cultural predjuce against the Japanese in some regional parts and in some political circles of China. They are still bitter about that 1931 invasion of Manchuria, and the total butchering of Chinese people at the hands of the Japanese invaders. The Chinese have not forgiven Japan in the same way we in the US have forgiven the Japanese over time. Hell things are still much more bitter between China and Japan now days than in Europe, relations with England/Germany, France/Germany, Denmark/Germany, Holland/Germany, Belgium/Germany, Poland/Germany/Czech Republic/Germany, Romania/Germany, Hungary/Germany, hell all those nations the ***** conquered, they have a much more hospitbale relationship with Germany than the current Japan/China relationship.

chromedome

Maybe the Chinese on the coast because most of the atrocities were committed by Japanese troops in large coastal cities and in the northeast part of the country. You'll see more Audi and BMW vehicles in those areas. Further inland, especially towards the west, Hondas, Toyotas and Lexuses are everywhere and Landcruisers are a common sight in the mountains. Facelift ES200s and ES250s are also a common sight in large western cities.

I've also seen Corolla Hybrid sedans which I haven't seen anywhere else in the world, presumably these use a Prius drivetrain. I think Australia gets a Corolla Hybrid hatchback which looks closer to a Prius C.

asoksevil

MB, BMW and Audi are no longer considered "imported" vehicles, because they are manufactured in China by joint ventures with local Chinese companies. Lexus cars are way more expensive than the German counterparts because they are manufactured in Japan, therefore subjected to a hefty import tax. Yet, people buy it because Chinese distrust Chinese craftsmanship.

chromedome

Well, there's a slightly racist undertone to all that, except that the sales guy at my local dealer also said the same thing - why get a Chinese-built Audi or BMW when an imported Lexus is almost the same price? The irony is that Lexus sales are a drop in the bucket compared to Audi, BMW and even Mercedes sales, with the three German brands almost completely being locally assembled. I've had no issues with Chinese-built Hondas, Toyotas and Nissans, no issues with various BMW and Audi sedans either.