http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/metro/stories/MYSA031008.chinaauto.en.3f250473.html?npc McCombs, Houston Rockets owner to invest in Chinese automaker Web Posted: 03/10/2008 12:21 PM CDT By Sean M. Wood Express-News Business Writer B.J. "Red" McCombs has teamed with the owner of the Houston Rockets to invest as much as $100 million in a Chinese automaker. McCombs and Leslie Alexander have formed Rocket Capital Investment Group I to invest in Brilliance China Automotive Holdings Ltd. Brilliance recently had to stop selling its cars in Europe because of poor crash test ratings, according to Automotive News Europe. According to a release issued by Brilliance, the investment by Rocket Capital will equal a 10 percent to 15 percent share of an upcoming stock offering. The money would be used to expand production of Brilliance vehicles. Brilliance makes sedans, minibuses and automotive parts. It also has a partnership with BMW to build 3-series and 5-series sedans for the Chinese market. Officials with McCombs and Alexander have not yet returned calls seeking comment. The release from Brilliance mentions setting up dealerships, dealer training and establishing markets outside China, including the United States. "Nobody denies the fact that Chinese vehicles are coming to the States," said Rebecca Lindland, an automotive industry analyst with Global Insight. "This is the big prize. Whoever is going to really make a go of it has to hook up with an established dealer network." The statement from Brilliance points out McCombs' 50 years in the car business, particularly his dealerships of Japanese and Korean car brands. Lindland said Chinese carmakers are closely watching Korean carmakers Hyundai and Kia and the success they've enjoyed in the United States. "But there's only so much learning you can do vicariously before you jump into the water," she said.
This is why Yao Ming will never, ever, never be traded no matter how he performs. (just to be clear: i don't want him traded..just making a point)
