The automotive manufacturing industry is a critical part of the world’s economy. The sector employs hundreds of thousands of workers and accounts for trillions of dollars in economic output. In recent years, the industry has seen its share of challenges with declining sales and layoffs in numerous factories. However, there are signs that the industry is starting to rebound. New models are hitting the market, and sales are beginning to increase.
Currently, both the European and Asian markets are seeing a spike in growth. Asian manufacturers such as Toyota are well-known worldwide. The Toyota brand is one of the highest-selling car brands in the United States. However, when it comes to quality Volkswagen is what most Americans seek out.
There are certainly some differences when it comes to Asian and European manufacturers. Here are some of them.
Price
The first thing that experts consider when it comes to the differences between Asian and European car brands is the price. Asian brands tend to be much cheaper than European brands because Asian manufacturing is more affordable. Countries like China, Thailand, and Malaysia have some of the cheapest production output in the country, not to mention the low salary rates needed to pay employees.
European brands are much more expensive because of the high salary rates in European countries, and this is due to the high cost of living. Asian living is much cheaper when compared to European living. Moreover, European brands tend to rely on robotics. Although robotics have faster manufacturing periods and are also more accurate, energy isn’t cheap, and considering the current state of the world, European car brands are becoming more expensive.
But when it comes to quality and reliability, European cars got Asian cars beat.
Quality and Reliability
European car brands such as Audi, BMW, and Mercedes-Benz are well-known for their quality and reliability. These brands have been around for centuries, and they have perfected the art of car manufacturing. Asian car brands such as Toyota and Honda are also quite reliable, but they’re not similar to European brands.
The main reason European car brands are more reliable is that they use higher-quality materials. In addition, European manufacturers also have stricter quality control measures in place. As a result, European cars tend to last longer and require less maintenance.
Another factor contributing to the reliability of European cars is that they’re built to last. European manufacturers design their vehicles to withstand the rigors of daily driving, resulting in a vehicle that can last for decades.
In contrast, Asian manufacturers often design their cars with a shorter lifespan. Asian consumers are more likely to trade in their vehicles after a few years. As a result, Asian manufacturers don’t invest as much in long-term durability.
Safety
European car brands are once again ahead of the pack when it comes to safety. This is because European manufacturers place a greater emphasis on safety features. Many of the safety features that are now common in cars were first introduced by European brands.
Some of the most important safety features include airbags, ABS brakes, and electronic stability control. These features are now required by law in many countries, but European manufacturers first introduced them.
Another safety feature becoming more common in cars is lane departure warning. This feature uses sensors to detect when a vehicle is veering out of its lane, and it can automatically correct the course of the car. This is a vital safety feature, especially for drivers prone to falling asleep at the wheel.
Maintenance
European car brands might be better in quality and are much safer, but they tend to be much more complex to fix when compared to Asian brands. For example, repairing a Honda will only take a few weeks and are much cheaper when compared to improving a Volkswagen.
European car brands use a lot of complicated electronic systems. These systems are exceptionally delicate, and they can be expensive to repair. In contrast, Asian car brands use simpler designs, making them easier to repair.
There are many other factors that can contribute to the cost of repairs, but the complexity of the design is one of the main reasons why European cars are more expensive to fix.
Conclusion
Asian and European car brands have their strengths and weaknesses. European car brands are the clear winners when it comes to quality, reliability, and safety. However, Asian car brands have the advantage of maintenance and repairs.
It’s up to you to decide which factors are more important to you. For example, if you’re looking for a car that will last a long time and won’t require much maintenance, then a European brand is the way. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper car to repair, then an Asian brand might be a better option.
