There is no doubt that the general quality of Chinese vehicles has risen over the last decade. Six Chinese brands are in South Africa already, says Jake Venter.
Chinese vehicle brands imported to South Africa have had a patchy reputation. This was particularly so in the early days because a number were imported by individuals who wanted to make a quick buck, and cared little for customer service.
Today, there is a far greater chance of buying a better quality vehicle and getting it properly serviced. Most of the remaining importers are people with considerable motor industry experience, and Chinese engineers have also learnt a great deal in the last ten years. The JD Power vehicle reliability survey group predicts that Chinese design and production quality levels will be up to Western European standards by the end of next year.
For decades, the US was the world’s largest vehicle manufacturer. They were eventually overtaken by Japan, but since 2009, Chinese production has exceeded that of the US and Japan combined. Last year, China produced 28,1 million vehicles, the US 12,2 million, and Japan 9,2 million.
Denne historien er fra 14 July 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
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Denne historien er fra 14 July 2017-utgaven av Farmer's Weekly.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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Syngenta Seedcare celebrates a decade of innovation
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Small and large farmers recognised at grain awards
The annual Grain SA/Syngenta awards ceremony bears testimony to the quality of farmers in the grain industry.
Growing partnerships: Fedgroup's flexible and innovative approach
Janine Ryan spoke to Warren Winchester, general manager of impact investing at Fedgroup, about why the company became involved in agriculture, and what it offers farmers and their immediate communities.
Why fish farms fail, and how to avoid becoming a statistic
The popularity of launching fish farms is not matched by their success. Leslie Ter Morshuizen, owner of Aquaculture Solutions, explores the factors that cause most of these businesses to go under.
Where history and modernity meet in a luxurious setting
Brian Berkman kept his eyes peeled for ghosts in the oldest continuously run hotel in South Africa, but all he found was a fabulous two-night stay.
THE HITCHING POST
I'm a stylish elderly lady with a radiant glow and a good sense of humour that keeps me young at heart.
Cutworms: check the weeds on your fields!
Zunel van Eeden explains why understanding the ecological interplay between cutworms and weeds is crucial for effective pest management. Producers should disrupt the life cycle of cutworms to minimise crop damage.
Does high-density grazing mimic grazing patterns of game?
In their paper on high-density grazing in Southern Africa, professors Angelinus Franke and Elmarie Kotzé from the Department of Soil, Crop and Climate Sciences at the University of the Free State say high-density grazing systems may not accurately reflect natural ecosystems. Roelof Bezuidenhout reports.
Global grain outlook: 2024/25 marketing season
In its latest summer crops report, the Crop Estimates Committee says South African farmers intend to plant 4,47 million hectares of summer grains and oilseeds in the 2024/25 season, up 1% from the previous season. As South Africa exports maize and soya bean, Annelie Coleman reports on the latest trends in the international grain and oilseed markets, amid fluctuations in weather conditions and ongoing armed conflicts.
