On the last day of March, the BMW Group released two blockbuster models, namely the domestic version of the BMW X5 and the new BMW i3, and there is already a lot of news about these two cars, so I will not repeat it here. What caught the editor's attention was that when BMW released these two models, it focused on "specially built for the Chinese market", which made the editor have some ideas.
"As a model tailored to the Chinese market, the new BMW i3 not only fills the gap in the luxury all-electric mid-size sports sedan segment, but also sets the benchmark for the segment with up to twenty high-value standard configurations."
"The new BMW X5, which is domestically produced, has an extended wheelbase, is equipped with more luxurious configurations, and adopts many innovative technologies in the production process. Of course, these changes stem from BMW's insights and thinking about the needs of Chinese consumers. There is no doubt that the new car will bring a superior luxury travel experience to Chinese customers. ”
The above text is derived from the official press release of the BMW Group, and what these words express is in the editor's view BMW declaring the identity of the "special supply" of these two cars. When it comes to "special offerings", many people will sneer at it, but is the current "special offering" still the same as before? What does the emergence of more and more "China's special vehicles" mean?
What is a Special Vehicle?
China's special supply car refers to the model developed and produced by foreign automobile manufacturers according to the needs of Chinese consumers. The so-called special supply is more of a multinational enterprise for the Chinese market, these models are usually multinational car companies for the Chinese market research and development, only sold in China, other countries do not have or developing countries exclusive models. Representative models are Volkswagen Langyi, Honda Lingpai and so on.
This type of model is the original Chinese special car, which is specially built for the Chinese market, and there are basically no prototype cars overseas. Once China's special supply cars, people have been labeled as "low-end", "reduced", these cars are generally known for space and practicality, and there are not too many highlights in terms of configuration and performance.
Later, China's special supply car has a new form, that is, some global models, in order to carry out "two-car tactics" in China, make some changes to the exterior interior, and make subtle differences with the original model in terms of configuration, which are basically the same in terms of platform and three major parts. Representative models are Honda Haoying and Toyota Leiling under the GAC Group.
This type of model, with the original global model, is more for the strategic development of the birth of the product, in addition to the appearance and some details, these cars are basically the same as the original model, there is no "reduction" and other situations. They are not only sold in the Chinese market, but some models have also been launched in overseas markets, but China's sales share accounts for the vast majority.
By now, China's special supply cars have evolved to a higher level. Take the newly released BMW i3 and domestic X5 as an example, they have a strong product force, and in order to cater to the Chinese market, they have made changes that are more in line with the needs of Chinese consumers, such as lengthening the body, improving comfort and so on. There is also the newly launched Ford Mondeo, which is also a model tailored for Chinese consumers, which attracts Chinese consumers with a lower price and higher cost performance.
If it is said that the former Chinese special supply car was a product that car companies "perfunctory" in order to circle money, then the current Chinese special car is the efforts made by car companies to compete for the Chinese market and "please" Chinese consumers!
Why has There been such a change in China's special supply vehicles?
More than a decade ago, China's auto market was immature and consumer choices were not many. At that time, the competition for car brands was not so fierce. Therefore, as long as car companies simply cater to the needs of Chinese consumers and make some changes, such as increasing the wheelbase and increasing the space, they can have a good effect. As for other aspects, even if the allocation is reduced, it does not matter, most consumers do not understand anyway.
However, with the rapid rise of domestic brands in recent years, some traditional car companies have felt pressure. Domestic brands not only understand the Chinese better, but also in order to quickly occupy the market, many domestic brands have come up with full sincerity, high configuration, low price has become the main hit, China's automobile market has gradually begun to "inner volume", and this "inner volume" is popular with people.
Secondly, China's auto market is gradually maturing, and consumers have a deeper understanding of automobiles and have established a correct concept of consumption. Unless it has a strong hard power of its own, some models that "reduce allocation" and "cut corners" will never be chosen by Chinese auto consumers.
In addition, the "new crown epidemic" that has lasted for more than two years has covered the global economy with a layer of ashes. China has emerged from the impact of the epidemic at a very short speed, preserved the troika that drives economic growth, and has become the most stable country in the world. The recent turmoil in Russia and Ukraine has made many car companies understand that China, a stable country, is an important market that all multinational enterprises cannot easily give up. Therefore, many car companies have made changes for the Chinese market for the sake of interests!
What does the emergence of more and more Specialty Cars in China mean?
The emergence of a new generation of Chinese special supply cars means that car companies are aware of the importance of the Chinese market. Looking at the sales list of China's automobile market, in addition to some domestic models, many of the models that have dominated the list for a long time are Specially Supplied Cars in China or models sold only in some countries and regions. Even GM decided to bring this Chinese special car back to the US market for sale after seeing the potential of Oncovi's gold absorption. So at the North American Auto Show in January 2016, the American version of Uncollevich, produced in China, was officially unveiled and landed in the US market. It is worth mentioning that Encore is also the first model in GM's history to be produced in China and sold back to the United States.
In addition, the emergence of more and more Chinese special vehicles also proves that the competitiveness of Chinese brand models has increased tremendously. If some global models do not change to China, it is likely that they will not be able to compete with domestic models. In November 2018, Chevrolet released a new generation of Kopacz in Colombia, and this car is actually a rebranded model of the Baojun 530! In addition to the difference in details such as the car logo, there is basically no difference with the domestic Baojun 530, and the power system is also the same 1.5T engine with 6MT or CVT transmission. It can be seen that domestic models are gradually going overseas!
Due to the impact of the new crown epidemic and the turbulent situation in Russia and Ukraine, the entire international situation is now unstable, even if the impact on China is not strong, but with the reduction of the heat of the real estate industry, China still urgently needs a new hot industry! In the editor's view, the automotive industry may be the next hot spot. Because of this, more and more companies are joining the ranks of car manufacturing, and more and more Chinese special cars have appeared!
Auto Network Review: The emergence of a new generation of Chinese special vehicles reflects the importance of the Chinese market!
The term "China's special car" was not originally a positive description, and it was often accompanied by "low-end" and "reduced" things that were not pleasing to people, and the owners of these cars who bought these cars were often labeled with the hat of "not understanding cars". However, with the development of the times, the core of China's special supply cars has gradually changed, becoming more high-end and even envious of foreign consumers. This change represents the improvement of China's auto market position and reflects the progress of China's automotive industry. Now China's special supply cars are probably the products of the "inner volume" of automobile companies, they are often more cost-effective, more suitable for Chinese consumers, such models are of course the more the better! Would you rather choose a Chinese special car or a domestic model or a global model? Feel free to leave your answer in the comments section!