Part 3 Part 4 the Fast Lane it’s the econoMy, stuPid Highlights Highlights • The Chinese government intends to transform the country • Coal fuels China’s economic growth. Though cheap and plentiful, it’s economically and socially through automobile manufacturing and dirty to burn and dangerous to mine. road building. • While concentrating on highway construction and urban • Having relied on bicycles for generations, the Chinese people are still development, the Chinese government remains largely indifferent to groping toward a new “car culture.” the problems facing rural peasants. • The explosive growth of the Chinese auto industry represents both a • The urban and rural poor have little leverage in procuring services or threat and an opportunity for U.S. carmakers. avoiding displacement. • With government-subsidized gasoline prices, China’s seemingly • Corruption remains a fact of life in China, despite government efforts insatiable demand for oil dramatically impacts global supplies and to crack down on officials who take bribes. the environment. • Though the Chinese government remains unabashedly and • As a long-term strategy, Chinese automakers have their sights set on wholeheartedly pro-business, the free market in China has little to the U.S. market, mindful of concerns about quality and safety. do with political freedom. Questions to Consider 1. Think about all the ways that cars have shaped American culture. What can the Chinese learn from those hundred-plus years of experience? 2. Most Americans grew up with cars and learned behind-the- wheel behavior from watching their parents. Without such role models, what problems do first-time drivers face in China? What opportunities does such a fresh start present? 3. How would you respond to Yin Ming Shan, the CEO of Lifan Motors, when he talks about competing with U.S. carmakers and getting new technology, one way or the other? 4. Do you think Chinese imports will succeed on the U.S. automotive market? Why or why not? 5. How do you think China’s growing demand for oil affects the U.S. economy? In what other ways does China’s quest for oil impact the international community? 4 5 Republic_booklet_3_6.indd 4-5 3/6/09 2:28:55 PM nghai ua H Zhangjiachuan Zhengzhou Tongchuan Xuzhou Yi Xi Hu ia a Wei Sanyuan Jian n ng Wushan Luoyang Henan Ye Suzhou llow Xianyang Baofeng Luohe S haanxi Xi'an i Guozhen Xixia Fuyang Hua Zi Hanzhong n Zhumadian Yang Ha Hua Nanjing tze Guangyuan Laohekou Xinyang i Ankang Su Barkam Xiangfan Hefei D Huz ad Mianyang Zitong Anlu Anhui u Nanling Nu Deyang Daxian Chongqing H ubei Wuhan e gtz Chengdu n Hangz e Ya Suining tz Yichang Shashi g Qionglai an Huangshi Qimen Y Enshi Xindi Lucheng Leshan Fuling Jianli Jingdezhen S ichuan Changde Xuri Y al Zigong Chongqing o n Yiyang Nanchang Jiangxi g Wenjiang Luzhou Jishou Xiangtan Yichun Ta Xichang n Shaowu a e Junlian a tz Zunyi u Lengshuijiang G M g W ng n a e a k Y Pingxiang Guizhou Xi o Bijie hi n c n g a Nanping e Dayan Y Shaoyang Youxian e Wuyang Yong'an ai Liupanshui Kaili Hunan Hengyang m Salw cha Fu N Panzhihua Xuanwei San Guiyang Chenzhou Ganzhou yina Dali Qujing Wuling Panxian Guilin Xiamen Chuxiong Lecheng Xunwu Tengchong Xingyi Hechi Lianzhou Guangxi Guangdong Kunming Huanggang Mangshi Shuangbai Babu ng an Yo Yingde o Lincang Yuxi p D an u Hepo N Linzhou Q Jiekou Kaiyuan ia Yunnan Laibin n Xun Wuzhou m a Wenshan Xi K Simao Gejiu Nanning Guangzhou Shenzhen Yu dalay Ha Giang Hong Kong Bl Yulin ack Macau Da Vietnam Qinzhou Hong Kong n Jinghong Thai Nguyen Suixi Maoming ong Hanoi Hong Gai ek Taunggyi M Zhanjiang en Hai Phong ana Salwe Ninh Binh Haikou Chiang Rai Louangphrabang Nam Dinh Nada Thanh Hoa Hainan Chiang Mai Hainan goo Laos Vinh Baoyou m South Chi o Nan Wancheng Y Vientiane Sanya Phrae Me Sea ko Uttaradit ng 100 105 110 115 China Region 8 9 Republic_booklet_3_6.indd 8-9 3/6/09 2:29:00 PM.