Autoblog and Yahoo may earn commission from links in this article.American Automotive EchoChinese-brand cars are essentially nonexistent in the U.S., largely because of steep tariffs and restrictions against them. As a result, many Americans are unfamiliar with Chinese automakers. The same cannot be said about American brands in China, where companies such as General Motors even build vehicles through local joint ventures. Interestingly, China-based FullGood Motor appears heavily influenced by American car culture, particularly the 1950s and the hot-rod scene, and has built a business around it.One of its creations is the SS Dolphin, a vehicle resembling a C1 Chevrolet Corvette. According to Everything Electric APAC, it is based on the BYD Qin Pro and uses a plug-in hybrid powertrain. Before dismissing it as just another copycat, the host claimed that all 199 examples sold for roughly $150,000 apiece – that is more than the base Chevy C8 Corvette Z06. Mind you, the Qin Pro was an affordable mass-market sedan in China, not some special-edition model.A Trip Across the PacificBut there is more to FullGood Motor than its eye-catching price. The company says it will appear at the upcoming Los Angeles Auto Show in November. That could provide an opportunity to learn more about the brand – and how a Qin-based tribute could command that sort of money.AdvertisementAdvertisementWhile the exterior may fool an untrained eye, the interior is unmistakably modern, with an infotainment screen and digital instrument cluster. The steering wheel also features a Route 66 highway shield-inspired emblem, revised to read "Songsan SS," referencing the company's former name.The Corvette-inspired SS Dolphin is said to have been merely a showcase of FullGood Motor's capabilities – a starter, if you will. Everything Electric APAC also highlighted the Summer, a Volkswagen Microbus-inspired creation whose chassis was tuned by British engineering firm MIRA. Described as a "more serious" market entry, the Summer is reportedly the vehicle FullGood Motor plans to bring to the West Coast.Everything Electric APACA Borderline SituationFor reference, the 2026 LA Auto Show runs from November 20 through 29. While the U.S. market remains effectively closed to Chinese-brand cars, Canada has begun opening its doors to Chinese EVs under an initial 49,000-unit annual quota and a reduced 6.1% tariff. More than 30 Chinese brands operate in Mexico, where they captured 17% of new-vehicle sales during the first half of 2026.Despite their growing presence in both neighboring markets, U.S. tariffs and connected-vehicle restrictions continue to keep Chinese automakers out. For now, Americans are most likely to encounter their vehicles at events such as the LA Auto Show or through rare private imports, like the jumping Yangwang U9 seen in Miami earlier this year.Everything Electric APACThis story was originally published by Autoblog on Aug 12, 2026, where it first appeared in the News section. Add Autoblog as a Preferred Source by clicking here.