The main concern shown in the survey is the possibility of automakers in China leaving the local market and making maintenance difficult
Despite the advance of Chinese cars in terms of style, electric, hybrid or combustion-only models with surprising specifications and, especially, at very low prices, the current situation in Germany, the largest market on the European continent, presents disappointing numbers regarding the devaluation of used cars. The study published by the German DAT (equivalent to the FIPE table in Brazil) was echoed by the Automotive News Europe (ANE) website, now at the end of May.
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Almost half of the respondents fear the disappearance of several Chinese brands in the next five years, with an impact on the availability of spare parts and consequent long-term maintenance and repair problems.
According to Martin Weiss, who heads DAT’s pricing department, “the market lacks experience with older Chinese models. Many brands have recently entered the German market, which leaves doubts about durability and quality over time.”
Leasing companies have a large share in Germany in new passenger cars. It is quite common for companies in general to offer subsidized rental cars to their employees as part of their salary (fringe benefits, in English, additional benefits, in Portuguese).
Weiss told ANE that companies offering long-term rentals have become more cautious about accepting Chinese products. “Some even require payment in advance before agreeing to include the cars in their portfolios,” he said.
On the other hand, the correspondent in China of the American headquarters website Automotive News, also at the end of May, pointed out problems that already existed and worsened. “Chinese electric vehicle giants are suffering in their own country, with the drop in sales of electric vehicles throughout the territory and the consequent reduction in the profits of leading companies such as BYD and Geely.”
