A modified car is displayed at 2009 China International Auto Parts Expo. Photo: CFP
By Chen Xiaomin
The lack of an association that can advocate on behalf of the industry is impeding the growth of the domestic modified car sector, analysts said Friday.
Furthermore, the industry, which lets buyers customize their cars, is still in the early stages of development, and a precise set of rules governing the industry is essential to protect consumers' rights and maintain road safety.
Despite these problems, more Chinese are beginning to customize their cars.
"Our customers often spend 100,000 yuan ($14,653) to personalize their cars. Some will even throw down 500,000 ($73,265), as much as their car itself costs," Fang Junbin, manager of Beijing-based Chexing Tianxia Auto Beauty Center, told the Global Times Friday.
Fang's company does everything from paint jobs to altering bumpers and chassis, modifications that are technically prohibited by law.
"We need clear and detailed rules to show us how far we can go," Fang said, adding that many people get their cars modified regardless of what the law says.
Car inspections are also sporadic and unstandardized.
Lai Junhong of a Hangzhou-based car modifications company said that biennial vehicle inspections are carried out by local police, with widely varying results depending on the location.
"In Hangzhou, it's easier to get away with stuff that wouldn't fly in Shanghai, where inspections are stricter," said Lai, blaming the differences on vague regulations and police ignorance of automobile specifications.
Another industry problem is the regulation restricting the naming of businesses.
Companies whose name contains the word "modification," or gaizhuang in Chinese, are prohibited from registering with industrial and commercial bureaus, according to both Fang and Lai.
That is how Fang ended up with the unusual name "Auto Beauty Center."
But these problems don't only affect the industry; they pose dangers to car owners and pedestrians as well.
Industry experts at the Sino-US Specialty Equipment Industry Seminar (SEMA) said an association could work to solve these problems and reduce the number of traffic accidents.
According to the New Yorker, China has the highest rate of deaths per car of any country in the world.
And the industry still has a way to go to catch up with other nations.
Japan set up a modified car association 25 years ago, and the US's Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA) is 50 years old.
Both organizations promote the industries within their home countries and abroad.
SEMA members consist of manufacturers, distributors, retailers, auto restoration companies, hot-rod producers, car clubs and racing teams.
SEMA also functions as a lobby group, supporting legislation and politicians that will help the industry and consumers.
Every year, SEMA puts on a massive trade show in Las Vegas that gives manufacturers, buyers, distributors, and the press a chance to interact.
The Chinese industry is also starting to garner more attention, but a formal organization like SEMA does not yet exist.
Last month, the Ministry of Commerce dedicated two halls of its China International Auto Parts Expo (CIAPE) to specialty products.
Chen Yipiao, assistant director of Guangzhou-based modified auto parts manufacturer CIDEP, said that the industry will get on the right track if the government puts its full support behind it.
"Many people think refitted cars are unsafe, but that's not always the case. As long as they meet certain standards, which can be worked out by the government and an industry organization, modified automobiles won't endanger people's lives," Chen told the Global Times on the sidelines of CIAPE.
Chen said that there are currently no clear regulations regarding the work his company does.
"We have to do things based on our own experience and professional ethics," said Chen.
Many industry professionals and experts were invited to talks over the establishment of a committee like the US's SEMA in August this year.
Chen and other insiders hope it can be the first step in creating a bridge between the industry and the government
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