中国汽车制造商投资新兴市场

Brazil is one of the largest automotive markets in the world, but China didn't really start to explore it until a decade ago. Since then, there has been a steady flow of Chinese cars into South America's largest economy -- with other businesses taking advantage of this trend. Some experts believe the region may have strategic importance in their long-term plans.

In 2007, the first Chinese cars hit the Brazilian streets. Their sales pitch: get more for less money. All models were equipped with features like power steering and air conditioning, a step- up from basic car packages.

Still, Chinese cars are rare on the streets and account for about one percent of cars sold in 2014. But their numbers have growing steadily and companies are investing to keep the trend going.

"Brazil today is one of the largest automotive markets in the world and with the ambitions of the Chinese car makers to gain a significant market share outside their homeland, outside China, Brazil is a natural choice to learn and gain additional experience before attacking the markets of Europe, United States and Japan," said Stephen Keese, partner of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants.

The steady flow of Chinese cars coming to Brazil for the past ten years has paved the way for other businesses to come here as well. For example, some Chinese vehicle manufacturers are exploring the Brazilian market of small trucks in hopes that it will hold great potential.

Foton has been selling their trucks in Brazil for the last two years. They are now building a plant in the country - betting Brazilians will exchange their old vehicles for brand new Chinese ones once the economy picks up.

"In Brazil, we have a huge market. The total fleet of commercial vehicles in Brazil is around two million five hundred thousand units that have an average age of 13 years so it means that we have a lot of space to renew the fleet," said Alcides Calalcanti, sales director, Foton Motors.

2015 will be a tough year for Brazil's economy - and sales of imported cars are likely to be affected by the currency devaluation. But some experts say the country's market has much potential for those who manage to get past the rough period ahead.