Chinese automaker plans to enter U.S. market in 2019

DETROIT (UPI) — Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group plans to enter the U.S. market in 2019, the company said at the Detroit Auto Show Monday. “We intend to gain a foothold in the U.S.,” GAC Motors president Yu Jun said at a news conference. “If we can make it in the U.S., we can make it anywhere and enhance further possibilities of future growth.” It’s not yet clear how GAC plans to enter the U.S. market. But according to reports, the company might could enter into a partnership with Italian-owned Fiat Chrysler. “We will explore all sorts of channels including partnering with FCA, as well as others,” Jun said, according to The New York Times. And Fiat Chrysler CEO Sergio Marchionne confirmed his company and GAC have discussed the possibility. “We are talking to them about how and if we can help if they come to the U.S.,” Marchionne told reporters. The two companies already have a partnership in China, where GAC produces FAC’s Jeeps for the Chinese market. If GAC does enter the U.S. market, the company plans to introduce Americans to its Enverge, an electricity-powered SUV. “As a compact crossover, it fits perfect in the fastest growing car market. It is able to undertake various heavy duty off road tasks,” said Zhang Fan, vice president of engineering for GAC Motors, according to the Detroit News. GAC would also bring one of its most popular brands — the Trumpchi — to the U.S. But because of the name’s similarity to President Donald Trump, which is just a coincidence, the company will likely change the name for American buyers.