Wuxi-made electric tricycle goes viral overseas

Screenshot from CCTV news. [Photo/CCTV]

In a surprising twist, a Chinese-made electric tricycle commonly seen on the streets of China, has become the latest craze in an American town. This quirky, yet practical vehicle has been turning heads and sparking curiosity since it was featured in a viral video by the Chinese vlogger @Bobo in the USA. Initially intended as a unique Christmas gift for her father-in-law, the tricycle has quickly evolved into a local sensation.

The video captures the vehicle's inaugural journey down the town's streets, decked out in festive flair. Its distinctive charm and the unmistakable "please be careful when reversing" alert caught the attention of numerous onlookers. The tricycle's cool and practical design was an instant hit, with locals snapping photos and even asking for purchasing details.

Screenshot from CCTV news. [Photo/CCTV]

The excitement spread beyond just the onlookers. The vlogger's American relatives and neighbors were equally intrigued. The electric tricycle swiftly became the community's newest attraction, with everyone eager for a chance to take it for a spin.

Moreover, the family successfully registered it legally, much to the amusement of local law enforcement officers, they playfully suggested that the vlogger might even consider starting a local assembly plant for these imported vehicles.

Adorned with the Chinese characters "Guowei”, the tricycle not only turned heads but also sparked questions about its origin and the meaning behind the characters.

This curiosity has translated into a boom in demand, with CCTV News reporting that orders for the electric tricycle, manufactured by the Xishan Electric Vehicle Industrial Park in Wuxi, Jiangsu province in China, have seen a significant spike from American consumers since the year began.

Screenshot from CCTV news. [Photo/CCTV]

The increased demand is no short-lived trend, as stated by the head of a Wuxi-based motorcycle company. They've witnessed a notable increase in custom orders from the United States, reflecting the company's two decades of expertise in exporting motorcycles globally.

The company's research and development team prides itself on adapting their vehicles to suit the specific demands of diverse international markets, ensuring that each tricycle is perfectly suited to its new environment.

Shen Yu, the secretary-general of the Xishan District Electric Vehicle Foreign Trade Association, emphasized the district's proactive approach in expanding its global presence. With an average 20% growth in foreign trade and some companies seeing increases of up to 50%, the district is poised to strengthen its international market share by participating in more global trade exhibitions and seeking out new partnerships.