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DETROIT -- No Chinese automakers need apply at America's No. 1 auto retailer, AutoNation Inc.
Mike Jackson, chairman of the 325-store group, said he considers Chinese-made vehicles to be lagging U.S. quality standards and wants no part of them.
The outspoken megadealer says he has been approached by Chinese automakers, which he declined to identify. Despite their eagerness to export to the United States, Jackson is dissatisfied with their safety and quality standards, he told the Society of Automotive Analysts today.
AutoNation sells about 600,000 vehicles per year.
" We get approached to sell Chinese vehicles," he said. " I say, ‘Hmmm. …' I don't want to be the one left holding the bag and standing in front of customers when the thing goes ka-fooey." I will not be an early adopter. Somebody will -- somebody will regret it."
Jackson said his decision does not include Chrysler LLC's plan to distribute vehicles made in China by Chery Automobile Co.
" If the first one is Chery through Chrysler, I'll sell it," he said, "because I know Chrysler."
Jackson also called for a $1-per-gallon federal tax on gasoline to spur consumer use of ethanol. Jackson said the tax, phased in at 10 cents a year over 10 years, would force consumers to become more serious about vehicle fuel efficiency and create demand for domestically produced ethanol. He said public support is growing for federal intervention in fuel prices. He acknowledged that the tax would have an unfair impact on low-income consumers and proposed rebating the tax as needed. |
