Young American drivers are more open to driving Chinese brands than their older counterparts, according to a new study. AutoPacific survey. However, concerns about how Chinese brands manage data privacy remain high regardless of age.
There are currently no vehicles from Chinese brands sold in the US, and that is unlikely to change due to the new tariffs. But nearly half of survey participants said they were familiar with Chinese car brands, and about 35% said they might consider buying a car from a Chinese brand.
However, respondents under 40 were more likely to consider a vehicle from the Chinese brand, with 76% expressing interest. This rate gradually decreases with age group, with only about 26% of people aged 60 and older willing to consider buying a car from a Chinese brand, according to AutoPacific.
Weighing car brands from China versus privacy concerns (from AutoPacific survey)
However, data privacy gave respondents pause, with 44% saying they would be very concerned about their privacy if Chinese brand vehicles were sold in the US, and another 34% saying They will be somewhat concerned. Although more people are interested in buying cars from Chinese brands, 73% of respondents under 40 still said they were concerned about privacy. And even that could change, analysts believe.
“Privacy concerns about Chinese brand vehicles may eventually subside as most smartphones, smartwatches, laptops and home appliances The connected homes we use every day are actually made in China.” in a statement.
Data privacy could also be an issue with cars already sold in the US. Bolt EV data scandal recently demonstrated, no connected vehicle driver can be completely certain that their driving data will not be misused or misinterpreted.
Xpeng G9
The survey comes about a week after the Biden administration raised taxes to try Eliminate Chinese electric cars, imposing a 100% tax on cars made in China. It really fits the plans tighten the EV supply chain to qualify for a federal electric vehicle tax credit of up to $7,500.
The administration aims to boost U.S. manufacturing and union jobs with these measures, but it also cuts emissions reduction targets by putting more electric vehicles on the road. As Bloomberg New Energy Finance recently calculated, China now produces enough batteries to support global electric vehicle production. Chinese automakers also sell more affordable electric vehicles — something currently lacking in the US — in the markets where they currently operate.
BYD Shark plug-in hybrid pickup truck
Mexico is seen by many as an alternative, and China’s BYD has made its global debut its plug-in hybrid pickup truck in Mexico the same morning as the tariff announcement. AutoPacific notes that electric vehicles assembled in Mexico are now eligible for the federal electric vehicle tax credit and can also avoid the new tariffs.
Assembly in North America also appears to be of interest to consumers, as 37% of survey participants said they would consider a vehicle manufactured in Mexico and then sold in the US. And 16% said knowing a Chinese brand vehicle was assembled in the US would increase. their purchasing considerations. So perhaps – like Japanese, Korean and German automakers before them – Chinese automakers can attract consumers and government officials by building in local.
