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What do you consider an import: a Toyota, Honda, Audi or Volkswagen? Here in the United States, it is fairly common to consider anything from the Asian or European markets an import. However, in the Asian automotive market, American cars are considered imports. Unlike some imports for the United States, imports for the Asian market are far from cheap. In fact, the Camaro is being marketed as a luxury sports car for up to three times the price of Camaros in the States, according to the Specialty Equipment Marketing Association (SEMA).
The muscle car market in the United States is aimed at people with average incomes. Muscle cars aren’t cheap but certainly aren’t high-priced like Ferraris and Lamborghinis. However, in China, the Camaro is being introduced as a luxury car, intended to show off status among buyers.
Increasing average family incomes, increasing road construction and increasing urbanization in China are creating a demand for more automotive choices. Because people of wealth don’t want to drive cars that everyone has, the luxury sports car market is thought to have exponential growth. Cars in the price segment in China that the Camaro is being introduced in, from $61,614 to $123,228 USD, grew by 141 percent in 2010. This creates great potential for the Camaro’s success.
The Camaro was introduced this year at Auto China in Shanghai in April. At this event, a Bumblebee Camaro was on display. Bumblebee has a good reputation among the younger generation in China, according to a GM China spokesperson. Cars like the Camaro are seen as associated with movies and “cool” American things. There is hope that for this reason and the growing demand for more car choices, that the Camaro will do well in the Chinese market.
The Camaro being offered in China will be the 3.6L version. It will cost 455,800 RMB, which translates to $70,215 USD. The Camaro being sold in China will cost more than those sold in the United States because of the import and engine displacement taxes. It is uncertain if other muscle cars, like the Mustang, will be introduced to the Chinese market in the future. It is exciting to see at least one of our beloved muscle cars making its way into foreign automotive markets.
