American Internet Celebrity Takes Foreigners to Visit Beijing Auto Show, American Audiences Feel Mixed Emotions

At the Beijing Auto Show, an American internet celebrity led numerous foreign tourists in getting up close and personal with China's advanced high-tech electric vehicles. Particularly, American visitors displayed complex emotions upon encountering Chinese electric cars that are both affordable and of high quality. Due to tariffs and other policy restrictions, Chinese electric vehicles have been largely excluded from the U.S. market.

Ethan Robertson, a 34-year-old influencer from North Carolina, is one of the co-founders of the YouTube channel "Wheelsboy," which specializes in introducing Chinese automobiles to English-speaking audiences. At the opening of the Beijing Auto Show on April 24, Robertson guided foreign visitors through the latest products from China’s automotive industry.

At one booth, he introduced a luxury electric SUV from Zeekr. The vehicle features a large screen, and even includes a built-in refrigerator in the back seat. "This car you're seeing now might cost as little as $30,000, fully equipped—while in the U.S., $30,000 won’t buy you any electric or hybrid vehicle."

American Audiences Feel Mixed Emotions

In an interview with Reuters, Robertson said his audience (mostly Americans) felt particularly conflicted about the price difference—amazed yet frustrated. "Our comment section is filled with messages like: '[I can't believe the government doesn't allow this car to be sold in my country.]'

John Cordell, a retired New Zealand engineer listening to Robertson’s presentation, was drawn to a mid-sized crossover model in deep blue. "I was first attracted by the color, but what truly impressed me goes far beyond just the body color." Inside the yellow car, the head-up display, large screens, and panoramic imaging system left the 77-year-old engineer utterly amazed.

Cordell already owns a Chinese-made electric vehicle in New Zealand—the BYD Atto3—and praises its design highly. This time, accompanied by his sister-in-law and son, he joined a two-day Beijing Auto Show experience tour, each paying a fee of $399.

Frequently Suspected of Being Funded by Chinese Companies

Robertson, who lives in China, said that over the past six years reporting on the automotive industry, American perceptions of Chinese cars have gradually shifted. In the past, Chinese vehicles were seen as low-quality knockoffs—but now people increasingly recognize that many Chinese auto brands are leading innovation in battery performance, charging speed, software integration, and more.

Having studied Mandarin since undergraduate studies, Robertson told Reuters that because his YouTube channel frequently offers positive coverage of Chinese cars, he is often suspected of being funded by Chinese enterprises—or even the Chinese government. Robertson clarified that he does not work for any Chinese company or government. Currently, his channel has around 210,000 subscribers.

The Chinese Automotive Industry Is Simply Too Large

Xing Lei, co-host of the YouTube channel China EVs & More and an automotive industry analyst with over 20 years of experience, told Reuters that even for him, the Chinese electric vehicle industry—with more than 100 automakers—is vast and intricately complex, “often making me feel lost.” Due to the current confrontational geopolitical climate, Xing does not believe Chinese EVs will rapidly enter the U.S. market in the short term—but he believes they will eventually. "It's just a matter of time. I know that during my lifetime, I’ll definitely be able to buy a Chinese-made electric vehicle."

Source: DW

Original article: toutiao.com/article/1863717960282185/

Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author alone.