Chinese Carmakers Think They Can Finally Win America Over With an SUV

American automakers sold 2.96 million vehicles in China last year. But no mainland car brand has yet to crack the U.S. market. It hasn’t been for lack of trying. Zhejiang Geely Holding Group and BYD, two large Chinese carmakers, had set—and failed to achieve—timetables to begin U.S. sales as far back as a decade ago. They’d underestimated the difficulties of meeting American regulatory standards and consumer expectations. Now Guangzhou Automobile Group believes that the third time could spell success.

GAC, as the automaker is known, displayed its Trumpchi brand on the main show floor of the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January, flanked on three sides by Toyota, Lexus, and Volvo Cars, the only other Chinese-controlled brand represented this year at the biggest car exposition in North America.