One in 10 cars sold in the UK in June were made in China, according to the latest industry figures. New Chinese brands such as BYD, Jaecoo and Omoda are growing rapidly in the UK. There has been a particular surge over the past few months, at a time when most other G7 countries have levied significant extra tariffs against their imports. Around 18,944 cars made by Chinese-owned brands, including MG and Polestar, were sold in June, which is 10% of overall UK sales, according to the latest figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). That is up from 6% in the same month a year ago. Across the first half of this year, more than 8% - or 1 in 12 - cars sold were Chinese, up from 5% in 2023 and 2024. This was mainly but not exclusively electric vehicles. Chinese firms and their franchises have been buying up car showrooms. "Chinese manufacturers are producing cars which are better, cheaper and more innovative in every sector of the market," said John Neill, former SMMT President and ex-chief executive of Unipart.
BBQ - Will this soon lead to these brands looking to make their cars in the UK? Why?
