Are they ready for America?

Japan did it in the 1960s and '70s. Korea did it in the 1980s and '90s. And then we say, China will do it. Is China ready for America?

China's auto sales hit a monthly record of 1.11 million vehicles in March, exceeding U.S. sales for the third month in a row. The country is poised to be the world largest auto market. 

At the 2008 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Geely and Changfeng announced plans to come to the United States. And this year, BYD Auto and Brilliance showed their wares and declared their intentions to invade America.

According to SearchChicago report, BYD Auto showed five models in Detroit, including two plug-in hybrids and an electric vehicle. BYD says it plans to enter the U.S. market by 2011.

Brilliance showed four models at Detroit, all of which the company says will be sold in the United States. The cars included a BS luxury sedan, a sport coupe, a sport sedan and a FRV hatchback. Should it arrive in U.S. showrooms, the FRV four-door hatchback will be the cheapest of the Brilliance cars, the report said.

While BYD and Brilliance, as well as Changfeng and Geely, claim that they plan to go America by 2011 or even sooner, that is most likely wishful thinking. No Chinese automobile can currently comply with U.S. emissions standards or pass U.S. crash tests. But the Chinese will learn soon, and when they do come here, the country's cheap labor costs will give them a price advantage over products produced in the United States, Kirk Bell from SearchChicago noted.