Chinese automakers are rapidly expanding, leaving dealers to question whether this poses a threat or an opportunity for the U.S. market. In today’s episode of Inside Automotive, we are joined by two esteemed guests: Ryan Kerrigan, Managing Director of Kerrigan Advisors, and Michael Dunne, CEO of Dunne Insights and host of the Driving with Dunne podcast. Their automotive industry expertise will provide valuable insights into the implications of this growth in Chinese commerce.
The interview begins with acknowledging the increasing presence of Chinese automakers on the global stage. Kerrigan points out that although Chinese cars are not yet prevalent on U.S. roads, the country has positioned itself as the largest producer and exporter of vehicles worldwide. He emphasizes that as Chinese manufacturers look to dominate international markets, their strategies will inevitably affect the U.S. automotive sector, potentially disrupting the landscape for established players like the Detroit Three and Japanese OEMs.
Dunne highlights the current U.S. government stance, including the imposition of 100% tariffs on certain Chinese imports, underscoring China’s competitive threat. He anticipates that while direct competition may be on the horizon, a significant entry into the U.S. market won’t materialize until around 2026, contingent upon the political landscape.
The experts discuss potential strategies for Chinese automakers to enter the U.S. market, such as local assembly and partnerships with existing manufacturers. Notably, they mention BYD as a key player, having scaled from 400,000 cars to 4 million in just four years. The conversation underscores that, while American consumers may hesitate about Chinese brands, compelling price points—averaging $19,000 compared to the typical U.S. new car price of approximately $47,000—could quickly sway opinions.
Kerrigan and Dunne agree that the evolution of this competition is inevitable, with profound implications for the future of the U.S. automotive industry.
"The average value of a car exported from China this year is $19,000, while the average price of a new car in the United States is around $47,000. The Chinese are looking at the U.S. and saying, 'Boy, would we have a field day there.'" - Michael Dunne
