Chery will build cars alongside Nissan models in the Japanese company's 40 year old Sunderland plant from 2027. It is a move by the Chinese company to circumvent new rules on content to reduce exposure to higher costs being imposed by the EU and gives Nissan new business and therefore profits for the plant which began Bluebird production in 1986. Almost … [Read more...]
May registrations hit seven year high
The UK’s new car market delivered its strongest May performance since before the pandemic, with registrations rising 7.1% to 160,662 units, reported the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders. The performance was the best recorded for the month since 2019, although still -12.6% behind pre-pandemic levels. Registrations in Wales last month rose 6.95% to … [Read more...]
Chinese brands in public minds
Jaecoo and Omoda are the Chinese car brands with the biggest increase in consumer awareness during the last year, according to research. May’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows Jaecoo is up 19 percentage points to 34% and Omoda by 9 percentage points to 23% compared to identical research carried out in May 2025. However, the most recognised Chinese car … [Read more...]
Chinese brands overtaking in UK sales, says LeaseCar
New data has revealed a substantial shift in the British automotive landscape, with Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers almost tripling their market share in just four years. Analysis of the latest registration data by car leasing and contract hire specialist LeaseCar shows that Chinese brands now account for around 8% of all licensed plug-in cars in the … [Read more...]
Incentives drive car registrations but EV business slows
The UK new car market rose by 7.2% in February to 90,100 registrations, according to the latest figures published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders, but EV demand is slowing again. The growth brings the highest February volume in 22 years, although the month is conventionally lower volume and therefore more volatile, with many buyers … [Read more...]
New Chinese brands now spreading through used market
Almost half of used dealers (45%) say they have added cars from Chinese new entrants to their stock, according to new findings. February’s Startline Used Car Tracker shows 45% say they sell quickly, 33% they represent good value and 20% buyers like the cars on offer. However, 37% of motor retailers are waiting to see how reliable they prove to be, 20% … [Read more...]
Car registrations rise but brakes go on EVs
There has been an encouraging start to this year’s new car registrations, but pure battery cars have slowed while Chinese makes have gained ground. Car makers now want a rethink on the support for electric cars and proposed pence-per-mile road tolls for them. It also saw a Chinese brand (above) take second place in the UK top ten and three occupied the top … [Read more...]
Chinese increasing brands heading to UK
Chinese car manufacturers are rapidly gaining ground in the UK, with competitive pricing, strong performance and top-spec designs - offering UK drivers more choice and an accelerated driving experience. Chris Adams, Group Operations Director at Brindley Group, has shared expert insight on what this surge means for motorists. From XPENG’s premium G6 SUV to … [Read more...]
Majority of UK drivers considering Chinese cars
More than seven out of 10 motorists (72%) would “consider” buying a car made by one of the new Chinese manufacturers entering the UK market, according to new research. Startline’s June Used Car Tracker shows BYD is the brand with the highest level of recognition among these potential customers at 28%, followed by Maxus (19%) and Chery (14%). Aiways, Denza … [Read more...]
Weekend feature: New Chinese brand UK plans
New car brand OMODA has announced UK pricing and specifications for its two debut models: the petrol-powered OMODA 5 and all-electric OMODA E5 crossover SUVs. Both offer customers a striking, modern design, with efficient powertrains and premium-grade interiors featuring a suite of luxury technologies, all at an accessible price point. The brand, a … [Read more...]
