China consumers see WTO benefits

  • 06/12/2001

  • Asian Wall Street Journal (Hong Kong)

This city's chandelier-lighted Bentley dealership opened in June with an order of 30 Bentleys and Rolls-Royces, brands of German car maker Volkwagen AG. Already, the dealership has sold 20 of the luxury sedans, most before they reach the showroom's brightly waxed floor. Before China entered the World Trade Organisation last year, Bentleys were usually smuggled into the country. Though many expected China's WTO accession to mark a new economic era, few expected it to arrive so quickly.