Core Viewpoint - The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in Taiwan are blocking mainland Chinese cars under the guise of safety, leading to exorbitant car prices in Taiwan compared to mainland China, which is causing dissatisfaction among consumers [1][2]. Group 1: Price Discrepancy - The price of the new Tesla Model 3 in Taiwan is NT$1.69 million, while it is NT$1.05 million in mainland China, highlighting a significant price difference [1]. - The BMW Z4 is priced at NT$3.72 million in Taiwan compared to NT$2.12 million in mainland China, further illustrating the steep price disparity [1]. - The high costs are attributed to Taiwan's strict import barriers for complete vehicles, allowing only CKD (Completely Knocked Down) imports, which increases assembly costs [1]. Group 2: Market Dynamics - The Taiwan automotive market is relatively small, making it difficult to spread high initial investment costs, and local manufacturers are often joint ventures, lacking the scale and R&D capabilities needed for competitiveness [1]. - According to the Chung-Hua Institution for Economic Research, new car registrations in Taiwan are projected to be 458,000 in 2024, with local car sales expected to be around 200,000 [1]. Group 3: Political and Regulatory Environment - The DPP's actions against mainland car manufacturers are seen as politically motivated rather than based on technical management, with a significant portion of the Taiwanese public expressing support for the import of mainland electric vehicles like BYD [2][3]. - A recent online poll indicated that 44.4% of participants support BYD's entry into Taiwan, surpassing those opposed by 14 percentage points [3]. - The Taiwanese government has implemented strict regulations, including a requirement for local manufacturers to increase local supply ratios to 35% to qualify as "Taiwan-made" vehicles [2]. Group 4: Industry Challenges - Despite a rapid growth in the electric vehicle market, challenges such as insufficient charging infrastructure, reliance on imported core components, and outdated maintenance technology persist, leading to consumer anxiety regarding range and high maintenance costs [3]. - Mainland automotive brands have made significant advancements in technology and cost-effectiveness, presenting a competitive option for consumers in Taiwan [3]. - Opening the market to more mainland models could provide consumers with better prices and choices while promoting local industry upgrades and market competition [3].

Core Viewpoint - The Taiwanese government's restrictions on mainland Chinese cars have led to significantly higher vehicle prices in Taiwan compared to mainland China, causing consumer dissatisfaction and highlighting the inefficiencies in the local automotive market [1][2][3] Group 1: Price Discrepancies - The price of the new Tesla Model 3 in Taiwan is NT$1.69 million, while it is NT$1.05 million in mainland China, indicating a price difference of NT$640,000 [1] - The BMW Z4 is priced at NT$3.72 million in Taiwan compared to NT$2.12 million in mainland China, showcasing a staggering price gap of NT$1.6 million [1] Group 2: Market Barriers - Taiwan's automotive market has long imposed strict barriers on the import of complete vehicles from mainland China, only allowing CKD (Completely Knocked Down) imports, which increases assembly costs [1] - The local market's limited size prevents the distribution of high initial investment costs, and most domestic manufacturers are joint ventures, lacking the scale and R&D capabilities necessary for competitiveness [1] Group 3: Political and Regulatory Environment - The Taiwanese government has intensified its efforts to block mainland car imports under the pretext of safety and security, with new regulations potentially being established to control technology transfer and vehicle sales [2] - A recent online poll indicated that 44.4% of participants support the import of BYD vehicles into Taiwan, reflecting a significant public interest in mainland electric vehicles [3] Group 4: Market Dynamics and Consumer Sentiment - Despite the rapid growth of the electric vehicle market in Taiwan, challenges such as insufficient charging infrastructure and reliance on imported core components remain unresolved, leading to consumer anxiety regarding range and maintenance costs [3] - The article argues that opening the market to more mainland vehicle models could provide consumers with better prices and choices while promoting local industry upgrades and competition [3]