We've wondered for several years when the Chinese invasion of western automotive markets will begin. While a few Chinese-built models have emerged, there has not been a large-scale, concerted effort to break into established, western markets. But automaker Great Wall intends on going one better than just selling vehicles in Europe and the UK. It has set up a factory in Bulgaria that will produce three models, one of which being the Steed pickup, which will represent the brand's first foray into the British market.

The Steed is a crew-cab compact truck which has a 2.0-liter diesel engine, six-speed transmission, and selectable four-wheel drive. It will sell for the equivalent of approximately $22,000 in the UK, and will be sold through 40 Great Wall dealers in the British market. The truck will debut at the Commercial Vehicle show in Birmingham from April 24-26. More details about the Steed will be revealed at the show.

Will the Steed make its way to the U.S.? It's anyone's guess, but the initial answer is probably not, considering how soft the compact/midsize market is in North America, which has so far seen the discontinuation of the Ford Ranger and Dodge Dakota. Would you buy a Chinese-brand pickup?

Source: Great Wall