It seems that no fewer than seven Chinese carmakers are making noises about their cars to the U.S.

At this point, most don’t meet U.S. and European emission and safety standards but they are closing in. Most are subcompacts that could make a mark here. Should U.S. automakers worry? Well let’s hear from our old friend Bill Ford. “It’s easy to build a car, it is harder to build a brand.”

He should know, he made a great run at destroying America’s top brand. If Bill Ford isn’t afraid-maybe others should be!

And speaking of China. Both Chrysler and GM are planning to boost their lineup and add dealers in that country. I know they want more business but I guess now they have a yen for it. (Sorry.)

Auto by Tel again, losing tons of cash. Maybe, just maybe, the business model of sending people to the dealer to buy is broken-do you think? If dealers are paying for leads, they need to recoup their investment- hmmmn.

Ford just announced it will ‘broker’ Lincolns through Amazon.com- speaking of broken business models. How about competing with your own franchises-wow! The attorneys will love this one.
And last- guess who is going to build Toyota Camry…. in Indiana. Subaru. Starting next year they plan to build 30,000-40,000 at their plant.

That’s enough. I’m confused.