Kia had virtually no race cars in the US till 2011. Well after they were established in the consumer market. Rally races aren't statistically even a thing here (most US consumers know little or nothing about them).
Wait a second. You're talking to a real racer here (I own fire proof underwear) who loves marketing, sales and advertising. You don't have to win in the US market to be considered a real car company... But you Do have to be Competitive somewhere in the Global arena. Want to talk about selling tires? Or selling Fuel? This isn't my opinion--this is a marketing fact.
Mercedes is spending 300 MM this season to win in F1 just to sell cars. What are those Unheard of companies in China doing?
Mercedes is spending 300 MM this season to win in F1 just to sell cars. What are those Unheard of companies in China doing?