BEIJING -- China is gearing up to push its domestic automakers out of the nest by unleashing foreign competition at home. The government sees the move as essential for reinvigorating a slowing market, but for companies, it is a do-or-die moment.
In the early days, Beijing was keen to nurture its auto industry by encouraging technology transfers from global giants. Now, China is the world's No. 1 auto market and has been for eight straight years, with sales 60% higher than those of the U.S.