China's transportation used to be bound up with bicycles and non-motorized vehicles. But when, in the mid-1980s, low-cost car models entered the Chinese market it became possible for more Chinese to buy an automobile.

Especially in the past few years, the car market strengthened markedly and it is now the fastest growing market in the world. More and more families can afford to buy a car and most of them do as soon as they can.

I can understand the wish to have the ultimate choice of driving wherever, whenever they want. It is faster and the power and space of most cars allow the transport of heavy suitcases or household goods. The comfortable soft seats and music help to put motorists in a good mood, for instance on the way home after a hard working day.

Moreover the air-conditioning regulates weather extremes, so that car driver can smile when they pass a freezing biker in winter. So, I support the Chinese wish to get one of the latest models of Santana, Jetta, Xiali, Accord or Fukang.

But with a look at Europe, vehicle possession is obviously more than just driving, because over the years something like an automobile culture has developed. That seems to be interesting for some car users but is troublesome for most of us. It simply means the outlook and the sound of the vehicles became more important than ease of mobility. It is all about prestige on European streets.

I know what I am speaking about because I used to help my dad washing the car at the weekend. Many other men stood in front of their garages cleaning the family autos. Unfortunately the carwash consists of more than just a shower: polish the bonnet, vacuum the seats and finally do the dusting on the instrument panel.

The struggle to have the best washed car in the street is fought out by the men, who spend most of their money and free time to make their cars something special, with a new spoiler, a different shade or a lower suspension. Because there are so many of them, they founded clubs to share the recent releases of car accessories and to proudly present their latest changes. Clubs for cars such as the Opel Manta, the VW Golf or the 3er BMW are just some examples.

For the normal motorist, it is also annoying to see the dolled-up machines in the streets. They make the most noise, overtake in traffic jams and challenge you to a duel (race) while waiting for the green light.

It is still comparatively quiet around China's streets. It is hard to imagine that Europe's car culture could find a breeding ground in China. Nevertheless, with every new car owner the mass of similar cars increases. At some point the claim to possess a special vehicle could conjure up dream of the individual prestige object, just like in Europe.

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