Chinese tycoon offers Geelys to replace cars damaged in anti-Japan riots

Bang on mrmalice! Nationalism is corrosive, it makes you wonder if anyone took any lessons out of its last world tour.

i think both governments are playing the julius caesar game, nationalism never helped anybody forward in the long run

So are you saying you were out attacking fellow Chinese citizens for buying Japanese products and attacking Japanese citizens in China while they eat?

The citizens of Greece, Spain and the US all have the right to demonstrate and criticise their governments for what they see as poor policy. China's government has created an issue to occupy its citizens during the imminent change in leadership. When this process has passed and the Senkaku issue has blown over, do you think those Chinese citizens will be allowed to turn their attention to their own leaderships failings? I very much doubt it.

There are always a small% of ppl who would deviate from the mostly sane and reasonable ppl who demonstrated to show their anger for what Japan did.

In my view, the ppl had 2 points to make:

to send a msg to japan to send a msg to the china gov that they need to guard china;s sovereignty.

Mano, "And where were you when the ppl in Greece demonstrated, and Spaniards and the Occupy Wall St., Occupy Berkeley etc?? Obviously the Chinese ppl decided that one of the ways to show their anger is by renouncing Japanese products, eg. cars etc".

So are you saying you were out attacking fellow Chinese citizens for buying Japanese products and attacking Japanese citizens in China while they eat?

The citizens of Greece, Spain and the US all have the right to demonstrate and criticise their governments for what they see as poor policy. China's government has created an issue to occupy its citizens during the imminent change in leadership. When this process has passed and the Senkaku issue has blown over, do you think those Chinese citizens will be allowed to turn their attention to their own leaderships failings? I very much doubt it.

good point there, you leave me wondering why i haven't seen any protests/demonstration toward the government CHINA since the TIANMEN SQUARE incident? i guess china is such a paradise to live in, and everybody loves the government (oops, the party) so much that existence of any grievances are basically nonsense. these ultra nationalists don't represent every single chinese. they are not ME, MY FRIENDS, MY FRIENDS' FRIENDS, AND THEIR FRIENDS. we enjoy our japanese and german brand cars, we all own either a nikon or canon, and we often dine out at sushi establishments. however, these MAFIASOS BEHAVIOUR surely has an effect on customer choices inside china. for an instance, if you purchase a japanese brand car, and the chance that your vehicle would get vandalized or damaged are so high that would eventually turn away a great number of prospective buyers.

My point was not about revolting against the gov. It was about the ppl HAVE their own opinions and expressed them outright. For example, when the US "accidentally" bombed the Chinese embassy in Serbia and killed several Chinese nationals inside the embassy.. the Chinese ppl in China demonstrated against the US embassies and consulates..it was all over China in huge crowds SImilar to the recent demos against Japan. Im sure it was not asked/urged by the gov, rather the ppl themselves Could see and made their own minds about nationalism.

not really, the above figure doesn't show anything. We all know that china is a manufacturing base for many foreign firms, thus it is impossible to calculate the exact the total value of the FINAL GOODS. think about this, you purchase a sony lcd tv made in china, parts of the tv is made in japan, shipped to china, further manufactured and assembly in china, then ship to the whole world (japan included). So, the part that made in japan is considered to be japan exports, and the one that ship to japan is china exports. what about the world wide shipments???

The overall model can be calculated or approximated with high degree of precision. For example, most Japanese cars made in China have only about 25% of their parts imported from Japan, and the rest are sourced from Chinese companies,, and some cars are wholly-imported from Japan. Even if you take another example, eg. Bluray players, the same models could be calculated/approximated. It all Comes down to the Total $ imported from Japan (exports by Japan to China), which is approx $200 billions.

also, japan isn't known to be a strong exporter to begin with. japan and usa total export only at around 15% of its gdp at max. compared to that germany (30%), korea (50%), china (almost 30%). some countries like vn, exports valued at 80% of its gdp. the total value of trade between japan and china at 2011 is around 360 billions usd, which roughly around 180 bil for each country, a pretty fair trading it seems.

It does not really matter. Mu point is: thats about +21% of Japan's total exports. And as I explained in another thread, for each 1 job in a car industry, there are Several jobs that are connected inside Japan to produce those parts/services. Thus, those +21% exports affect many other jobs inside Japan!

It's not a "loss of goodwill." Chinese are AFRAID of buying Japanese cars for fear of having them destroyed in the next inevitable uprising.

Not really. This is a long process, and Japan will be the "bigger" loser, unfortunately. As you will see, Chinese ppl will keep abandoning Japanese products wherever they could, it does not bode well for Japan.

Japan has now lost the Goodwill among the Chinese customers

It's not a "loss of goodwill." Chinese are AFRAID of buying Japanese cars for fear of having them destroyed in the next inevitable uprising.

"And where were you when the ppl in Greece demonstrated, and Spaniards and the Occupy Wall St., Occupy Berkeley etc?? Obviously the Chinese ppl decided that one of the ways to show their anger is by renouncing Japanese products, eg. cars etc"

good point there, you leave me wondering why i haven't seen any protests/demonstration toward the government CHINA since the TIANMEN SQUARE incident? i guess china is such a paradise to live in, and everybody loves the government (oops, the party) so much that existence of any grievances are basically nonsense.

these ultra nationalists don't represent every single chinese. they are not ME, MY FRIENDS, MY FRIENDS' FRIENDS, AND THEIR FRIENDS. we enjoy our japanese and german brand cars, we all own either a nikon or canon, and we often dine out at sushi establishments. however, these MAFIASOS BEHAVIOUR surely has an effect on customer choices inside china. for an instance, if you purchase a japanese brand car, and the chance that your vehicle would get vandalized or damaged are so high that would eventually turn away a great number of prospective buyers.

"Aside from political maneuverings by Japan, Taiwan, S.Korea, China which have each forked out big $$ for newspaper ads, it's the NYT that's reaping big advertising gain."

its' true though. so far in this conflict, the one that gain the most are neither japan nor china.

"Not really. If you google it, Japan's export to China is +21% of Japan's total exports, whereas China's exports to Japan is +9% of China's total exports."

not really, the above figure doesn't show anything. We all know that china is a manufacturing base for many foreign firms, thus it is impossible to calculate the exact the total value of the FINAL GOODS.

think about this, you purchase a sony lcd tv made in china, parts of the tv is made in japan, shipped to china, further manufactured and assembly in china, then ship to the whole world (japan included). So, the part that made in japan is considered to be japan exports, and the one that ship to japan is china exports. what about the world wide shipments???

also, japan isn't known to be a strong exporter to begin with. japan and usa total export only at around 15% of its gdp at max. compared to that germany (30%), korea (50%), china (almost 30%). some countries like vn, exports valued at 80% of its gdp. the total value of trade between japan and china at 2011 is around 360 billions usd, which roughly around 180 bil for each country, a pretty fair trading it seems.

The flamboyant Mr Chen also placed a half page ad in the New York Times in support of China's claim to the islands. Wonder if he might be manoeuvring the media for political gain? Hmmm.

Aside from political maneuverings by Japan, Taiwan, S.Korea, China which have each forked out big $$ for newspaper ads, it's the NYT that's reaping big advertising gain.

Mano, "We dont know that for sure. " Yes we do, it's obvious to anyone not wearing blinkers. The Chinese protest against Japan because it suits China's ruling elite.

And where were you when the ppl in Greece demonstrated, and Spaniards and the Occupy Wall St., Occupy Berkeley etc?? Obviously the Chinese ppl decided that one of the ways to show their anger is by renouncing Japanese products, eg. cars etc

Mano, "We dont know that for sure. "

Yes we do, it's obvious to anyone not wearing blinkers. The Chinese protest against Japan because it suits China's ruling elite.

but China's government has huge controls over how this issue is portrayed and has shamelessly stirred this up for all to see.

We dont know that for sure. However, in general, if a group needs something more from another group, they would be less willing to protest against that group. In other words, the Chinese ppl Knew they dont need Japan's products/services that much, hence, they dared vented their anger.

Mano, Japan hasn't shot itself in the foot. It's Chinese nationalism that's created this posture. I'll give you that Ishihara hasn't helped and deserves all the flak he gets but China's government has huge controls over how this issue is portrayed and has shamelessly stirred this up for all to see.

Not really. If you google it, Japan's export to China is +21% of Japan's total exports, whereas China's exports to Japan is +9% of China's total exports.

Regarding political+econ implications, this give a somewhat balanced view : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o2Vjn7RkrJU&feature=related

Mano, Japan hasn't shot itself in the foot. It's Chinese nationalism that's created this posture. I'll give you that Ishihara hasn't helped and deserves all the flak he gets but China's government has huge controls over how this issue is portrayed and has shamelessly stirred this up for all to see.

There is a reason why they initially bought the Japanese brand instead of the "luxurious" Geely. Think hard Mano2012. If I were the victim, I'd sell it right away in hopes that I have enough of a down payment to buy a European brand.

You obviously missed the whole point. As I mentioned a few times already in several threads, Japan has now lost the Goodwill among the Chinese customers. Chinese companies are now stepping up their quality, R&D and nationalistic postures to lure new customers. Japan has shot itself in the foot, unfortunately, as its economic troubles will soon increase more due to Ishihara and Noda.

The flamboyant Mr Chen also placed a half page ad in the New York Times in support of China's claim to the islands. Wonder if he might be manoeuvring the media for political gain? Hmmm.

Don't know if this was reported in JT, but the flamboyant Mr Chen came to Japan after 3/11 to distribute money and supplies to disaster victims.

He leaped out of the car to plead with the mob not to trash the vehicle, which he'd bought just last year. A burly young man smashed him over the head with a U-shaped steering-wheel lock. Li, 51, now lies in hospital bed, partially paralyzed as a result of the Sept. 15 beating.

What will Chen and his patriots do for Li?

Chen is in the trash business so he will soon get his gifts back.

I don't care about the so-called quality of this Geely, he at least offered these Chinese a replacement for their lost property while also making a patriotic statement; you are obviously simpleminded to think he could have done otherwise without causing controversy.

If anyone has driven a Geely, you would know what a piece of junk it is. Replacing Japanese cars with Geely's would be like replacing a Lexus with a Yugo.

LOL yeah right. The new car is worth $20K, at the same price they bought the japanese car.

There is a reason why they initially bought the Japanese brand instead of the "luxurious" Geely. Think hard Mano2012.

If I were the victim, I'd sell it right away in hopes that I have enough of a down payment to buy a European brand.

While many of us don't agree with the replacement vehicles, I'll still give credit for the gesture at least. Question is, how safe are the Chinese vehicles compared to the Japanese vehicles? Laughs to self in background.

Wonder how this guy would react if some of those victims say we don't want China made Geelys.

This news article should be in Politics... or Entertainment.

A Geely? Wow! I wonder if they will be the twin-turbo version?

Geely owners will soon have a great time with breakdowns and will be happy to get a used Japanese car part to replace the Geely piece of junk. Hope Japanese car manufacturers turn their heads away from assisting those Chinese pirates.

@waxman

It is obvious that you have not tried mazda 3 yet. It is not only zoom, zoom it will make you feel like floating among the clouds. Pls read my post again. I mentioned that the Geely will not match the quality of real Volvo It was exactly same as you posted Indian new owner product will not match real Jaquar quality.

Beside that I only own one product of made in China. It is a TP-link wifi router.

"Even in poor China somebody not relate with the protest donated new cars to victims. "

Even in "poor"" China? You did read the part about Chen Guangbiao being worth $750 million, didn't you?

And to even compare the tragedy of a natural disaster like the tsunami that hit Eastern Japan with riots perpetrated by Chinese citizens in what was effectively a state-sponsored temper tantrum for attention is offensive.

"Will anyone donate new house to tsunami victims?"

To answer your snarky but ultimately empty attempt at irony, yes.

As of March 2012, 116 countries and 28 international organizations have offered assistance to Japan, raising over $6.6 billion, more than eight times Mr. Chen's total financial worth, and involved nearly one million people helping with disaster recovery efforts, a significant number of them volunteers.

To answer the real question behind your question, yes, Japan and the world have a far better understanding of the spirit behind charity and altruism than has been even remotely demonstrated by Mr. Chen's blatant efforts to gain notoriety by appealing to childish nationalist sentiment among the Chinese public with this asinine free-car offer.

"I launched this event to remind people that patriotic behavior should be conducted with rationality, wisdom and discipline,” Chen said on his microblog late Wednesday.

It just gives a pervese incentive for future riots.

That muppet in the green suit looks like some sort of colour-blind Yakuza.

Why not offer to fix Aeon's damaged supermarkets? This in effect compensates Chinese on Chinese damage ("that was wrong") and endorses Chinese on Japanese damage ("that was OK").

Even in poor China somebody not relate with the protest donated new cars to victims.

Will anyone donate new house to tsunami victims?

Isn't Geely the brand that famously scores 0 in the Euro NCAP crash tests? Probably better to take bus and wait for the insurance to pay up.

japan should stop selling them soy sauce.

Big deal. Soy sauce originated in China and copied by Japan.

You lose your Toyota/NIssan/Honda and someone gives you a Geely.......that's like having salt rubbed in the wound.

Maybe you didn't read about the latest recall of Toyota and Honda: http://blogs.wsj.com/japanrealtime/2012/10/11/toyota-and-hondas-big-recalls-give-detroit-an-opening/

They may be free, but they're still POS... Anyway, it's just a blatant opportunistic gesture on rich dude's part.

Zenpun!! Mazda....zoom zoom! Sorry but Mazda is NO match for the Honda, Toyota or Nissan...just compare the lineup! Tata India owns Jaguar, that doesnt make Tata same as Jaguar, in same manner Geely will never be same as Volvo.

Aren't those Geely's the cars that repeatedly failed to meet emissions and safety standards in the US? They obviously don't even know how to use Volvo technology yet. The guy who had his Nissan destroyed and replaced by one of those coffins on wheels but be feeling shortchanged.

japan should stop selling them soy sauce.

In a country where the government dictates what you see, hear and think, why shouldn't a tycoon (like his Politburo buddies) dictate what car you drive too?

Doubleplusgood!

Seiryuu_DanOct. 12, 2012 - 10:23AM JST

Buy a Toyota, a Honda or a Nissan, you buy it's name, it's brand. Buy a Geely.... "What the hell is a geely?"

Mazda is better and more sophisticated than Toyota, Honda or Nissan. Why did you leave it? Geely is a Chinese name which they built the car with Volvo technology. Unlikely it will match the real Volvo quality. Geely is a new owner of Volvo car maker of Sweden now.

Good gesture, and its free......take it or drive around in tour firebombed wreck....id take the geely!!!

Since Mr. Chen is in such a magnanimous mood, he should also extend his largesse to foot the medical costs and rehabilitation of the poor Chinese man driving a Japanese nameplate, who was dragged from his car in Xian and set upon by a mob, leaving him paralyzed.

sfjp330 Get back on subject.... If you like Camry then buy one. Can you afford one? See how off subject this is? Bah...

A greely car? I have never heard of one since I read this article. Good comment gogogo.. I bet he drives a Toyota crown or something...hmmm how about a Merc?

Some patriot!

Children used to play a game that asked the participants when and what is their price. If a participant saw a person drop some money on the street, what would he or she do if it were 100 yen, keep it or return? What if it were 1000 yen, same question. What if it were like the person in the USA who found $120000 in US bonds, keep it or return it. Everyone has a price, and given, everyone needs a car, but a China made car? China needs to protect all its citizens and visitors. New replacement cars need to be exactly the same car that was lost plus an penalty fee for inconvenience and STRESS.

Buy a Toyota, a Honda or a Nissan, you buy it's name, it's brand. Buy a Geely.... "What the hell is a geely?"

Hahahahahahahahahahahah!

You lose your Toyota/NIssan/Honda and someone gives you a Geely.......that's like having salt rubbed in the wound. Have you seen what Geely's are like? I'd rather stick pins in my eyes than be seen within 50 metres of one.

However this is China, land of the 'Long March' Suitcase form China Products Emporium.... the locals would probably be suitably impressed by one of those monstosities in your driveway, but not the person who originally drove the Japanese car.

Crustacean (The Raw Prawn Man!) "China is an immature nation and they have a long way to being accepted as a responsible power." Yes, the new kid on the block, having only been around since what? 3,000 BC? The definition of "newbe."

I was just thinking though; MY CAR was destroyed! I want a new Greely, too! I may even vote Obama for a Greely and a free cell-phone...

"He has pledged to leave his entire fortune to charity after his death"...It is a nice gesture yet one has to wonder just how much of that fortune will end up in the hands of the Needy versus the hands of the Greedy.

The damage done to the Japanese economy from their sta nice on these islets will far outweigh any return they will receive from the 'possible' oil and gas fields surrounding them. Japan needs Chinese trade far more than China needs Japanese products, most of which are made in China anyway.

It is always a laugh to read the comments because you will always see some commentators who will write something against everything....and precisely without putting any thought into the comment at all. Why are you all so quick in churning out biased comments. I never heard of Oprah giving away Japanese cars either. The cars she gave out were all American (Pontiac's to be precise, and that particular model was a failure)

Plus if someone is going to use his money to give away something, for any sensible person, no matter which country he is from, being Patriotic is the way to go.

Corolla might be popular but it's a crap car. I actually like to ride of Toyota Camry

It is funny that you compare Camry with Corolla. The two models target different market segments (call it social layers if you want) and thus they provide different quality which of course comes at different prices. Corolla is one of the most popular cars in the world with people who need comfort, safety, and endurance at a reasonable price.

What car do you drive Mr tycoon?

"Corolla is a crap car"

In that case, shouldn't it be renamed, the Toyota Crapolla ? Sorry sponsors.

theeastisredOct. 12, 2012 - 09:23AM JST

Why is he vandalising the new cars before handing them over? Don't think roof panels are designed to withstand, without showing any damage, forces such as his considerable weight bouncing on them.

To be honest, he was marketing for Geely brand cars which own Volvo of Sweden. He demonstrated as It was strong enough to withstand his weight. Geely is not the first or second choices of victims. They got the unwanted cars now. However it is better than nothing.

Chinese billionaire and philanthropist Chen Guangbiao jumps on the roofs of the new cars

Why is he vandalising the new cars before handing them over? Don't think roof panels are designed to withstand, without showing any damage, forces such as his considerable weight bouncing on them.

sfjp330, I totally agree with you........but you must be talking about the ones made in China.

VicMOsaka Oct. 12, 2012 - 09:07AM JST You are talking nonsense. Corolla is one of the most popular cars around the world and there is nothing wrong with the way they drive.

Corolla might be popular but it's a crap car. I actually like to ride of Toyota Camry, but Corolla has been a major disappointment. Why don't you drive these two cars and compare and see if I am wrong. Toyota Corolla S, the suspension transmits even minor pavement vibration to the cabin, while bigger bumps produce a noisy jolt. The rough ride and considerable road noise is similar to an earlier era 70's Corolla, when compact cars sacrificed refinement in the name of low-cost motoring. The Corolla is not a fun car to drive. Its numb steering is one of the biggest culprits. There's no feel for what's happening down at the front tires. I like to drive, but the Corolla did more to dampen my enthusiasm for it than any car I've been in lately. The Corolla outdated four-speed automatic's gearing made the car feel sluggish. The bigger issue, though, is a lack of drivetrain refinement. The 1.8 liter four-cylinder is a noisy little engine that you always hear, but which never sounds good. If you need a two-gear downshift be prepared to wait a moment for the transmission to make the selection and for the extra engine noise that accompanies it. I would pass on Corolla. If you got more money to spare, get a Camry.

sfjp330Oct. 12, 2012 - 08:01AM JST The new Corolla is one of the worst driving experience you can have. A numb steering, unresponsive suspension, a >dull engine, and most uncomfortable seats you could put in a car. Corolla is a crap car.

Oh..so that's why those Chinese mobs have been smashing them.

sfjp330Oct. 12, 2012 - 08:01AM JST Geely owns Volvo. If they could replace all the crap Toyota Corolla, then I would take the Volvo. The new Corolla is one of the worst driving experience you can have. A numb steering, unresponsive suspension, a dull engine, and most uncomfortable seats you could put in a car. Corolla is a crap car.

You are talking nonsense. Corolla is one of the most popular cars around the world and there is nothing wrong with the way they drive.

Readers, please stay on topic and focus your comments on what is in the story.

Crustacean Oct. 12, 2012 - 08:39AM JST All the problem between China and Japan lately is more political.. Average Chinese and Japanese dont really care about that 2 rocks..

These two rocks is a symbol of what has not been resolved from the past wars between two countries. For Japan and China to move forward, they both have to resolve their differences and have some type of long term agreements so that future relations between two countries can improve. But you have to remember, this is between China and Japan, and It won't be easy. There is just too much historical mistrust between two countries to move forward. The progress will be a snail pace.

All the problem between China and Japan lately is more political.. Average Chinese and Japanese dont really care about that 2 rocks.. Government is not doing a good job and this kind of issue is good way to shift the focus outward instead towards their leader. I hope you guys smart enough to realize this.

CrustaceanOct. 12, 2012 - 08:25AM JST China is an immature nation and they have a long way to being accepted as a responsible power.

Then why is 20,000 Japanese companies in China? Japan has choices. They could always leave until they become a more mature nation. Great option for Japan is it?

China is an immature nation and they have a long way to being accepted as a responsible power. The want to acquire territory on many fronts, on the west with India, and in the east with Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan and Japan. They exhibit an arrogance as their economy has grown but once a recession hits the country the tables will be turned against them.

This article has nothing to do with the topic you're talking about.. Are you a troll spaming same post in every article related to China?

Like getting a wrist watch from the dollar store after someone stomped on your Rolex

LOL yeah right. The new car is worth $20K, at the same price they bought the japanese car. http://beijingcream.com/2012/10/chen-guangbiao-gives-away-geely-to-former-japanese-car-owners/#more-5746

Interesting post in here... The guy is giving away car and you guys bash him lol.. What have you guys done? At least he made tons of money! And it does take brain to make money.. Unless you inherit than its different story! 50 years down the raod, people wont remember all this copy crap from China.. Do you remember Japan 50 years ago? Dont forget Japan used to make crap too!

Double whammy.

You get your car destroyed and if that's not enough, the new one might possibly destroy you.

Like getting a wrist watch from the dollar store after someone stomped on your Rolex

The Chinese are a vermin industrialists. They copy everything and call it theirs. They are so fake. But their bubble period is almost over so let's wait and see what happens. As for the 43 people who lost their precious cars and are now offered a replacement, I feel their loss over loss.

Geely owns Volvo. If they could replace all the crap Toyota Corolla, then I would take the Volvo. The new Corolla is one of the worst driving experience you can have. A numb steering, unresponsive suspension, a dull engine, and most uncomfortable seats you could put in a car. Corolla is a crap car.

" Some 43 people whose cars were damaged can swap their Japanese brands for the Geely vehicles to show their patriotism."

Nevermind why the owners had previously chosen to buy a Japanese brand car. This wacko is part of the disease. Why not offer the owners the option of choosing for themselves which brand to get as a replacement?

China is an immature nation and they have a long way to being accepted as a responsible power. The want to acquire territory on many fronts, on the west with India, and in the east with Vietnam, Philippines, Brunei, Taiwan and Japan. They exhibit an arrogance as their economy has grown but once a recession hits the country the tables will be turned against them.

Your turn, Ishihara...

Chinese government sponsored riots with financial backing from a Chinese billionaire philanthropist to replace vandalized Japanese made property owned by Chinese that were destroyed by other Chinese. What an infantile nation.

Chinese made with Japanese technology.

Great. Chinese made cars to replace Chinese made cars with a Japanese Brand, I wonder how many people will accept one thinking they got totally screwed. They bought a Japanese brand to start with for a reason.

Are those cars the ones that are copies of every other make? The vehicles outside shell is Chinese copied and engine is Mitsubishi, Nissan, Benz and BMW. It's all a show. If they really wanted to show patriotism they could design and construct their own design, engineering and make. They are as fake as this tycoon.

Money don't buy you a brain...