At the Beijing auto show, Ethan Robertson, 34, guided more than 10 people from Australia, New Zealand, the UAE, and other regions through various exhibition booths. These displays were filled with electric SUVs, pickup trucks, and futuristic concepts, offering an up-close look at vehicles making China's automotive industry increasingly formidable.
Robertson, originally from North Carolina, is the co-founder of Wheelsboy, a YouTube channel dedicated to Chinese oto for English-speaking audiences. For many on his tour, the appeal of these vehicles was clear: affordability, advanced technology, and a wide array of choices.
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Ethan Robertson with a Wuling Mini EV model. *Photo: Wheelsboy*
At one booth, he showcased a luxury electric SUV from Stellantis, powered by Leapmotor, featuring a large screen and a rear-seat refrigerator. "You are looking at a vehicle that costs around 30,000 USD and it is fully loaded. Meanwhile, with 30,000 USD, it is difficult to buy an electric vehicle or hybrid car in the US", Robertson stated.
"Our comment section is full of people saying things like, 'I cannot believe the government does not allow them to sell this car in my country'", Robertson told Reuters.
One tour participant, John Cordell, 77, from New Zealand, was drawn to a glossy yellow Deepal S07 mid-size crossover. "First, I was attracted by the color", the former heating and ventilation systems engineer said. But it was not just the paint. He praised the interior, the heads-up display, the screens, and the panoramic camera system.
His brother-in-law and son joined the two-day tour, priced at 399 USD per person. Cordell owns a Chinese electric vehicle at home, a BYD Atto 3, and noted that technology is a key selling point. "Everything is very well designed", he said.
Andrew Pertsoulis, 62, from Sydney, said the most striking aspect was the modern feel inside the cars. "That is what makes the difference", he remarked. Large screens and a tech-rich interior made him feel like he was stepping into a new generation of vehicles.
Robertson, who currently lives in China, noted that perceptions of Chinese oto among US viewers have shifted over the six years he has followed the industry. While initially these cars were dismissed as low-quality imitations, there is now a recognition that many brands are advancing the industry in areas such as battery performance, software, and charging speed.
Robertson, who began studying Chinese as a university student, said he is sometimes accused of working for Chinese companies or the Chinese government due to the positive content on his channel, which boasts 215,000 subscribers. He maintains that he works for neither.
Ethan Robertson challenges others to visit China and experience it for themselves before criticizing him. *Video: CGTN*
An increasing number of Americans are beginning to follow this industry more closely. Lei Xing co-hosts the US podcast China EVs & More. Even for him, China's automotive industry, with more than 100 automakers, is vast and complex. "I get lost", Lei admitted. He does not expect Chinese brands to quickly enter the US market, but he believes these cars will eventually arrive in the US. "It is just a matter of time", Lei said. "I know that in my lifetime, I will be able to buy a Chinese electric car".
Robertson's channel currently features more than 410 videos showcasing Chinese car models. These include familiar brands like Wuling, BYD, Xpeng, Zeekr, Nio, Geely, MG, as well as foreign brands with joint ventures in China. Wheelsboy also offers advice on exporting an oto from China and provides an overview of the nation's automotive industry through exhibitions.
Robertson also addresses the challenges faced by established foreign automakers in China, along with the marketing strategies Chinese automakers employ as they seek global expansion. He shares his personal experiences as an oto reviewer in China, covering his commuting habits, interactions with automakers, objectivity in his reviews, and maintaining an American perspective within China's electric vehicle industry.
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