An American living in Kunming discovered an entirely fake Apple retail store just a few blocks from her home. The store seemingly had all of the iconic elements: an interesting staircase, an unusual seating area upstairs, the staff was even wearing those famous blue shirts and name tags. However, upon a closer inspection, it was discovered that the stairs were poorly constructed, the paint didn't look professional, and the name tags had no actual names. The biggest giveaway might have been the words "Apple Store" written over the entryway -- Apple retail stores only display their glowing logo.
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Fake Apple Store In China
If you go to the official Apple website and look up its retail stores in China, you'll get four results: Sanlitun, Pudong, Xidan Joy City, and Hong Kong. However, if you're strolling down the streets of Kunming, the capital of Yunnan Province in China's remote southwest corner, you might think Apple forgot to list its fifth location.
Fascist Weddings In China
Taking into account that for Chinese just-married couples it's almost a cult aim to take memorable wedding photos, maybe it is not that surprising to see such oddities of Asian creativity. If they were wearing a Japanese uniform of the WWII time, this would be much more brave.
Bee-Bearding Contest in China
A 42-year-old beekeper in China has won a bee-bearding competition in Shaoyang, Hunan province. Wang Dalin attracted 26.86kg of bees on to his body in 60 minutes to win. Bee keepers were wearing just a pair of shorts. They also used the help of a queen bee to “collect” bees.
Fiat Marks 500 Launch in China with 100 “First Edition” Models
The first Fiat 500 to make its way into China was presented today in Shanghai by Fiat Group Executive Vice President for International Operations, Lorenzo Sistino.
To celebrate the launch, Fiat crafted a special version named 500 “First Edition” featuring bodywork graphics by five young Chinese designers. The special edition will be available in a limited run of just 100 numbered units ahead of the city car’s regular launch in China on September 15.
The 500 “First Edition” is based on the Lounge trim featuring a three-coat pearlescent white body color, red leather interior and special badges on the door pillars. It is equipped with the 1.4-liter MultiAir engine that delivers 101HP and is mated to a 6-speed automatic gearbox.
The normal 500 that arrives in China in September will feature the same engine and gearbox offering buyers a choice of three trim levels (Pop, Sport and Lounge), 12 body colours, 9 color-material combinations for the upholstery and two interior trims (black or ivory).
All who place an order for the Fiat 500 between July 12 and September 15 will automatically enter a draw with the winner being able to exchange his or her car with one of the 100 “First Edition” models.
Sistino said the 500 hatchback will be followed next year by the 500C convertible and the “500 by Gucci” version, while he also revealed that next year Fiat will launch a new saloon made in its Chinese plant in Changsha with its local partner GAC.
PHOTO GALLERY
New Study Finds that Chinese Buyers Prefer European over Local Brands
Car buyers’ preferences in China are shifting towards European models and away from domestic and even Japanese vehicles, according to a new study published today by JD Power Asia Pacific. This is the third year that the study takes place.
The latest edition included 65 brands and 161 separate models in nine segments and is based on responses from 4,979 potential buyers of new-vehicles located in 53 cities.
JD Power said it examined pre-purchase perceptions amongst Chinese consumers who intend to buy a new car in the next 12 months. The results show that the percentage of potential new car buyers considering a model by a European carmaker has increased substantially, from 25% in 2009 to 32% in 2001.
The reasons cited are positive perceptions of safety and engine and transmission technology, as well as strong recommendations from friends and family for European cars.
On the other hand, consideration for models by Japanese carmakers has followed the opposite direction, dropping from 32% in 2009 to 27% this year. New car buyers said that they don’t have the same confidence in quality, reliability and dealer service, nor do they receive positive feedback from family and friends.
Domestic carmakers are also facing a decrease in car buyers’ preferences, from 26% in 2009 to 20% in 2011. Poor quality, negative reviews and a lack of recommendation from family and friends are cited as the main reasons.
The study also showed that brand awareness and perception differs according to location and plays a major role in considering a new model.
“Brand awareness does depend on location; for example, in the South region, Japanese brands have particularly high brand influence due to their long tenure there,” said Dr. Mei Songlin, general manager of research at J.D. Power Asia Pacific, Shanghai.
Models with the highest levels of consideration in each segment:
- Compact segment: BYD F0 and Chery QQ3
- Premium compact segment: Chevrolet Sail
- Entry midsize segment: Volkswagen Polo
- Midsize segment: Chevrolet Cruze
- Lower premium midsize segment: BYD F6
- Upper premium midsize segment: Honda Accord
- Luxury segment: Audi A4L
- SUV segment: Volkswagen Tiguan
- MPV segment: Buick GL8
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Bentley Defies Crisis with a 20% Increase in Global Sales
Crisis? What crisis? For you and me, perhaps, but not for Bentley buyers. The VW-owned British luxury carmaker announced today a 20% increase in global sales for the first half of 2011 with 2,978 cars delivered to customers, the best start for the company since 2008.
The luxury marque attributes this surge in sales to the high demand for the new Continental GT as well as the increasing popularity in (least we forget, communist…) China, where Bentley sales have risen by 57% compared to the same period last year, to 680 cars. Thus, it has become the manufacturer’s second best market, behind only the US (George Orwell's "Animal Farm", anyone?).
Not to be outdone by China, the capitalist West has contributed its fair, albeit smaller, share to Bentley’s rise. In Europe, sales have increased by 25% (494 cars) and in the USA by 23% (907 cars). Only in Japan, due to the recent catastrophic natural disasters, and the Middle East, where political unrest rules, have sales declined.
So, well done Bentley - and well done to all the fat cats out there, be they…capitalists or…communists, who are rapidly increasing in numbers each day.
PHOTO GALLERY
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