The Democrats who now run congress have historically been friendlier to Japanese carmakers that invest in factories in the U.S. rather than export vehicles from overseas, because it means American factory jobs.

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Even if they could, it does not make good business sense to export large numbers of vehicles from the U.S. to China because of the costly logistics involved.

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For now GM has no plans to export its China-made vehicles elsewhere because of strong domestic demand.

FORBES: The China Connection

The measures protects Brazilian auto parts makers and could anger Korean and Chinese auto makers who export auto parts and full vehicles to Brazil.

FORBES: Brazil's Currency Appreciation Trend Nearing Its End-Nomura

Thailand will export some 300, 000 vehicles this year, according to Automotive Resources Asia, a consultancy, and the government is hoping to raise that to 800, 000 by 2011.

ECONOMIST: Why Bangkok is the place for pick-ups

Haryana is a landlocked state and Maruti faces significant costs to transport vehicles to ports for export from its factories.

WSJ: Maruti to Begin Work on Gujarat Plant

Police were also concerned the vehicles were being stolen for export because of their popularity, she said.

BBC: Kent and Sussex warnings over Land Rover crime spree

The plant is expected to produce about 340, 000 vehicles, including about 120, 000 for export, this financial year, Mr. Sano said.

WSJ: Renault, Nissan Expanding Capacity of India Joint-Venture Plant

"We are selling vehicles that have extensive technologies, " said Isbrand Ho, BYD's director of export sales.

NPR: China's Struggling Automakers Jump On SUV Boom