Source: Global Times
CP24 website, Canada, January 18 article, original title: "I was completely shocked", why car dealers say Canadian consumers will benefit from the Canada-China electric vehicle agreement. Every transaction usually has winners and losers, and the Canada-China electric vehicle agreement (Canada will grant Chinese electric vehicles an annual quota of 49,000 units, with preferential tariff treatment of 6.1% within the quota — editor's note) is no exception. Although Canadian auto manufacturers have raised alarms, claiming the agreement may affect domestic automotive industry jobs and supply chains, some Canadian car dealers believe this is a consumer victory — they can buy high-quality cars at affordable prices.
Nazir Nowalski, a used car dealer in Toronto, said: "More choices will lower overall market prices, and the Canadian car market will undergo a huge transformation. Consumers will be the winners from any perspective, whether customers are specifically looking for Chinese cars or are willing to consider this option, they will benefit." Nowalski has been visiting auto shows around the world, witnessing more and more Chinese electric vehicles entering global markets. Chinese cars continue to demonstrate technological advances, gradually dispelling the stereotype that their quality and safety standards were low. "This year is different from previous years, the Chinese car exhibition is large, I had already anticipated they would enter the North American market," he said. "I only experienced Chinese electric vehicles for the first time this year. Many people still hold prejudices, thinking Chinese products are cheap, not of good enough quality, and not advanced enough. But now I have had a real experience, I touched it, felt it, and I was completely shocked."
Another used car dealership manager, Hamza Patel, also holds this view. "Now, consumers can choose between well-known brands and emerging brands like BYD and Xiaomi, which offer luxury-style vehicles with advanced technology at affordable prices. Especially Chinese electric vehicle brands like BYD perform exceptionally well, offering more competitive range, more features, and newer technology compared to cars in similar or higher price ranges currently on the Canadian market," Patel said. Patel added, "From a broader perspective, improving affordability will also help the Canadian government achieve its electric vehicle adoption goals more easily and quickly, because consumers will no longer worry about the biggest issue hindering the purchase of electric vehicles — cost." Devin Arthur of Canada's "Electric Vehicle Association" said: "Obviously, more choices in the market will bring more healthy competition, making it affordable for every Canadian to own a car."
Some car dealers have questioned this agreement. In response, Arthur said that given the current uncertainty of U.S. policies, Canada cannot rely on the U.S. to achieve its electric vehicle manufacturing goals, "Canadians should pursue diversified development, find other options and potential manufacturers to develop manufacturing here, which would be most in our interest." (Author: Kamal Karamali, a reporter from Canada Television, translated by Ding Ding)
Original: toutiao.com/article/7597208437998551588/
Statement: The article represents the personal views of the author.