While some Chinese automakers used the Detroit show to announce their intent on entering the U.S. market, Brilliance Auto - a newcomer to the North American International Auto Show - didn't.  Rather, Brilliance vice president He Guohua said the show was "an excellent platform to measure our success by international standards."

To do so, the Shenyeng-based firm brought four models to Detroit: the M1, M2, M3, and FRV hatchback.  Notably absent was the Jinbei minivan, a Toyota-derived minivan that's said to be quite popular in China since its introduction in 1992.

Toyota was but one of the names dropped during the presentation; Brilliance seems quite proud of its partnerships with numerous European firms, though it didn't extend much detail into the nature of their relationship.  The sporty M3 reportedly exudes "Porsche technology," engines were developed with the German FEV firm, styling performed by ItalDesign, and build techniques were reportedly gleaned from BMW - odd, considering Brilliance's use of the M3 nameplate...

Still, Brilliance seems intent on expanding its horizons.  Last year, the firm exported more than 22,000 vehicles to more than seventy countries.  We doubt the U.S. will be one of them for some time yet, but corporate directors are seriously targeting the North American market for future expansion.