Proof Chinese cars haven’t taken over the UK – yet

You might think Chinese cars are suddenly everywhere – and in some ways you’d be right. BYD, Jaecoo and Omoda are appearing all over showrooms, adverts, and sales charts.

The latest year-to-date figures from The Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), which tracks UK car market shares across hundreds of brands every month, show these brands are starting to gain a foothold in the UK market. For instance:

• BYD holds 2.79% market share
• Jaecoo sits slightly higher at 3.37% market share

However, while you may be seeing these brand names everywhere, they still account for only a small slice of overall car sales compared with long-established manufacturers such as Ford, Volkswagen, Toyota, and Kia. The latest SMMT data shows that year-to-date:

• Volkswagen holds the highest market share of 8.70%
• Kia takes silver with a 6.93% market share

What’s remarkable, however, is how quickly these Chinese brands have become so visible.

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Small overall share, big individual hits

Chinese brands haven’t yet flooded the UK with a wide range of models. Instead, they are making an impact through a few standout models.

Cars such as the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U are steadily climbing the sales charts. The Jaecoo 7 has outsold the Ford Puma (3,715 sold) year-to-date with 4,059 registrations, while the BYD Seal U has moved 2,550 units, ahead of the Nissan Juke (2,517 sold), according to the latest SMMT data. That’s an impressive feat given the brands’ overall market share is still in the low single digits.

This explains why the buzz feels louder than the numbers might suggest. Even with just 2-3% market share, these brands are showing up in charts, online discussions, and on buyers’ radars.

Faster growth than we’ve ever seen before

Gaining market share in the car market is notoriously slow. That’s because buyers tend to stick with brands they know and trust – a process that can take decades.

Chinese brands are gaining ground at a remarkable pace, particularly when compared with other non-European automakers. For example:

• Korean car brand Hyundai took around 20 years to reach 2% market share across Europe – and 27 years in the UK
• US manufacturer Tesla took about 10 years to hit 2%
• BYD reached the same milestone in just two years
• Jaecoo did it in nine months

BYD and Jaecoo have already surpassed 2% market share, according to the SMMT data – a pace unheard of in recent history. Their rapid rise is unprecedented, and it helps explain why Chinese cars are attracting so much attention, even if their overall market share remains modest.

Why buyers are taking Chinese cars seriously

Two major factors are helping Chinese brands gain traction with UK buyers, according to market research by Carwow:

1. Car prices have soared

Owning a car has never been more expensive. Over the past decade, the average new car has risen around 62%, while used cars have climbed roughly 40% – and in many parts of the UK, prices have increased even faster, according to market reports.

With monthly payments under closer scrutiny than ever, Chinese brands are tapping into this pressure, offering competitive pricing without skimping on features.

2. More tech and value for money

Carwow found that Chinese models tend to pack more technology and features for the money, including advanced infotainment systems, driver-assistance tools, and generous warranties. Compared with non-Chinese alternatives, these cars often deliver better value at a similar or lower monthly cost. For many buyers, the choice is clear.

As one buyer told Carwow: “Why spend twice as much for some wood panelling on the dash?”

That sums up why Chinese brands are quickly moving into serious consideration.

From unknown to mainstream in record time

Just a few years ago, most UK buyers couldn’t name a single Chinese car brand. Awareness was minimal.

Today, awareness has surged. A recent Carwow survey found that just 16% of participants hadn’t heard of any Chinese brands, compared with 64% in 2023. High-profile campaigns, such as BYD’s 2024 Euros sponsorship, have boosted brand awareness.

Even with BYD at 2.79% and Jaecoo at 3.37% market share, Chinese cars haven’t taken over the UK – not by a long shot. However, expanding line-ups and growing brand recognition will likely push these numbers higher in the coming years.

So while it’s safe to say Chinese car manufacturers haven’t taken over just yet, they’ve already proven they don’t need decades to make a real impact in the UK market. If new models continue to go on sale with the impact of the Jaecoo 7 and BYD Seal U, it won’t be long before UK roads look very different to how they did just a decade ago.

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