Discover how Chinese car brands are gaining market share in the UK, challenging established automakers. Learn more and explore the trend!
Chinese cars, once considered an unusual choice, are now steadily gaining a firm foothold in the UK automotive market. By the end of 2025, vehicles imported from China are projected to account for 10% of all new car sales in the UK. This marks a significant shift from long-held brand loyalty towards practicality and value.
Growing Market Share
According to data cited by The Guardian, based on analysis by automotive expert Matthias Schmidt, Chinese automakers are estimated to sell over 200,000 new vehicles in the UK in 2025. This growth is happening despite increasing tariffs imposed to protect domestic manufacturers.
Key Players: MG, BYD, and Chery
Much of this success is driven by three prominent brands: MG, BYD, and Chery. MG is currently leading the charge, maintaining a strong growth trajectory similar to 2024, with over 70,000 units sold in 2025. MG benefits from its historical roots as a British brand, now owned by SAIC (China).
BYD is also experiencing a significant breakthrough, with UK sales increasing from just under 9,000 vehicles in 2024 to over 40,000 in 2025. The presence of Chinese brands on UK roads is becoming increasingly common.
Other Emerging Brands
Several other Chinese brands are also reporting impressive growth. Jaecoo sold over 20,000 vehicles, and Omoda achieved a similar figure. Chery, Polestar, and Leapmotor are also attracting consumer interest, albeit on a smaller scale.
Japanese Brands See Decline
Conversely, Japanese brands have seen their market share decline by nearly 1% over the past 12 months. While not a dramatic drop, it’s a measurable reflection of the broader trend occurring across Europe.
Impact of Tariffs and Brexit
Despite the imposition of tariffs by European lawmakers in late 2024 – aimed at protecting domestic manufacturers, particularly in the electric vehicle sector – Chinese car sales continue to rise across Europe. These tariffs don’t apply to hybrid or internal combustion engine vehicles, leading to a surge in sales of those models.
The UK, having left the European Union, appears particularly open to these Chinese brands. With a lack of large, domestic automakers, the market is largely open to competition.
Shifting Consumer Loyalty
According to Schmidt, the absence of many popular, mass-produced domestic brands in the UK means consumers may be less inclined to engage in patriotic purchasing. In Germany and France, around half of the new car market is held by domestic brands. In China itself, approximately 66.7% of the market belongs to local manufacturers.
This shift suggests that UK consumers are prioritizing value, features, and convenience over brand origin.
(Source: Carscoops)