The Chinese are certainly producing a lot of interesting, cutting edge, cars. Many/most of them will never see the light of day in the UK or Europe.
I doubt Motability as an organisation cares one jot where the care is designed or built, but it needs to be able to negotiate a deal with the seller – and there lies perhaps the next big challenge to the whole Motability methodology, and the Chinese may well force some sort of change.
The Chinese do not seem keen on a traditional dealer network. From what I’ve read they prefer to cut out the dealer as middleman and sell directly to the customer.
The sales process for the emerging Chinese makes abroad appears to be purely online. I’ve seen it suggested that if you want a ‘test drive’ then you can hire the same car from an associated car-hire firm for the usual rate. The hire charge will be discounted against a purchase.
The on-line sales process has huge pros & cons for the disabled owner – no need to traipse round dealerships and delivery to your door, but no personal advice and no-one to guide you through the process.
We’re starting to see this a lot with second hand cars, but major manufacturers now offer ‘configure & buy now’ options on their own websites.
How will Motability respond to this brave new world?