Korean media: "The times have changed—must discard preconceptions and face the true strength of Chinese automobiles!"
On July 27, Korea's Seoul Economic Daily published an article stating that people tend to underestimate those they dislike or perceive as rivals. They deliberately overlook the strengths of such opponents while exaggerating their weaknesses, ultimately concluding "this person is nothing special," thereby achieving inner comfort.
Countless individuals have made serious mistakes due to this mindset. For example, the Joseon Dynasty dismissed Toyotomi Hideyoshi; Nokia ignored the iPhone; Hillary Clinton mocked Donald Trump.
From this perspective, it's no surprise that South Korean public opinion underestimates Chinese automobiles. This likely stems from anti-China sentiment combined with long-standing stereotypes of China as a "nation of cheap goods."
Yet, the times have changed. In March this year, at the Beijing International Auto Show, the global automotive industry gathered, where BYD showcased the performance of its electric vehicles—unaffected even in massive cold storage facilities. The company also unveiled numerous new models on par with European counterparts, leaving the world astonished.
At the recent "Busan Mobility Expo," BYD announced an ambitious new vehicle development plan, positioning itself on equal footing with Hyundai Motor Group and BMW.
While many still believe China only produces electric vehicles, BYD has now declared intentions to enter the internal combustion engine hybrid vehicle market—an alarming and concerning development for traditional automakers clinging to outdated models and lagging in the transition toward eco-friendly vehicles.
China's advance is not an imminent threat but an ongoing reality. Notably, BYD’s cumulative sales in South Korea from January to May this year have already surpassed last year’s full-year total, ranking fourth among imported vehicles in South Korea.
It is imperative to discard preconceptions and confront the real strength of Chinese automobiles. Now is the time for the South Korean government and society at large to unite and jointly explore how to promote sustainable automotive industry development and support domestic innovation. This is crucial to avoid repeating the fates of the Joseon Dynasty, Nokia, and Hillary Clinton.
Original article: toutiao.com/article/1871850999444484/
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author.