AS THE WHEEL TURNS -- TO CHINA?

AS THE WHEEL TURNS --

TO CHINA?

NANJING, CHINA, 1981

More and more there is talk about China becoming the new giant in the automotive industry (for example, in today's Washington Post).

So, a look back to the reality on the ground, literally, just over a generation ago, in 1981 in Nanjing. Private cars were forbidden. The blue creampuff above doubtless belonged to one official -- cadre -- or another, or more properly, to the official's work unit. Curtains in the windows encouraged privacy.

Somebody Important must have come in that car.