this post was submitted on 13 May 2024
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A tiny, low-priced electric car called the Seagull has American automakers and politicians trembling.

The car, launched last year by Chinese automaker BYD, sells for around $12,000 in China, but drives well and is put together with craftsmanship that rivals U.S.-made electric vehicles that cost three times as much. A shorter-range version costs under $10,000.

Tariffs on imported Chinese vehicles probably will keep the Seagull away from America’s shores for now, and it likely would sell for more than 12 grand if imported.

But the rapid emergence of low-priced EVs from China could shake up the global auto industry in ways not seen since Japanese makers exploded on the scene during the oil crises of the 1970s. BYD, which stands for “Build Your Dreams,” could be a nightmare for the U.S. auto industry.

“Any car company that’s not paying attention to them as a competitor is going to be lost when they hit their market,” said Sam Fiorani, a vice president at AutoForecast Solutions near Philadelphia. “BYD’s entry into the U.S. market isn’t an if. It’s a when.”

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[–] ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 18 points 6 months ago (8 children)

It's easy to build a cheap car when you ignore the human rights of your workers and the environmental damage of your production process.

[–] db0@lemmy.dbzer0.com 37 points 6 months ago

Lol western nations dint give a fuck about that. They just externalized the environmental costs to China and other poor nations until now and then sold the end result to their customers. The only problem is that that US doesn't own the company.

[–] mlg@lemmy.world 27 points 6 months ago

Ford when they outsourced to South Africa during their apartheid for cheap exploit labor

All 3 American automakers who already outsourced to Mexico right now to do the exact same thing

Yellen telling China to scale back eco tech production to protect American profits

Ah yes America, the global leader in human rights and environmental protection.

[–] Yawweee877h444@lemmy.world 15 points 6 months ago (2 children)

Or our businesses don't want this type of competition? An affordable and reliable sub 10k EV? This would hurt our businesses and billionaire class, no?

If I needed a new car, and had a 10k EV as an option, it'd be my first choice to look into.

Por que no los dos, though.

[–] Blackmist@feddit.uk 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Problem is, that goes for expensive cars as well.

At some point we need to decide are we in the West are either (a) importing cheap small cars from China, or (b) stopping poor people from driving. Because petrol is on the way out.

[–] ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago (1 children)

That's why ebikes and scooters are becoming so popular. Small short range mobility vehicles are filling the gap.

[–] Blackmist@feddit.uk 1 points 6 months ago (1 children)

I think that's the key tbh. Most people aren't going to need a massive car for going about town. Just something that can carry your shopping and get you to work and back will do.

[–] ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago

I just wish I didn't have to choose between a small car and a car that won't get stuck in the snow. I don't know why they think small cars must also have a small ground clearance.

[–] Numenor@lemmy.world 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Where is your evidence of these claims

[–] Son_of_dad@lemmy.world 2 points 6 months ago* (last edited 6 months ago) (1 children)

Western auto workers weren't and aren't anywhere near ethical with their workers. Also Western automakers do have plenty of wiggle room, but they're not charities.

[–] ChonkyOwlbear@lemmy.world 4 points 6 months ago (1 children)

Agreed on both accounts. Still us manufacturing is nowhere near as bad with workers rights and pollution as China. The smog is often so bad over Beijing that it blocks out the sun.

https://www.huffpost.com/entry/beijing-air-pollution-photos_n_5698a1c6e4b0b4eb759e0155

China has a workplace fatality rate of around 10-15 per 100k workers compared to 5-6 for the US.

https://www.arinite.co.uk/the-worlds-most-dangerous-countries-for-workers

[–] Kanda@reddthat.com 1 points 6 months ago

But hey, the US is only half as bad as what they call the literal devil

[–] umulu@lemmy.world -3 points 6 months ago