British Drivers Weighing the Pros and Cons of Chinese Car Brands as They Gain Popularity in the UK Market

Chinese car brands have been making a noticeable impact on the UK’s automotive market in recent years.

More and more drivers are turning their attention to vehicles from China, especially electric vehicles (EVs), which have gained significant traction in the UK.

But despite this growing presence, there are still several reservations that potential buyers have regarding these cars.

With some key questions still unanswered, many are unsure if a Chinese car is the right choice for them.

A Surge in Popularity of Chinese Cars in the UK

Recent registration figures for 2024 show a 14% increase in the sales of vehicles from four major Chinese car brands now available in the UK: BYD, MG, Omoda, and Ora.

These vehicles made up 5% of all new car purchases in Britain, which translates to nearly 100,000 cars on the road.

Most of these cars are electric, and with China’s early investment in battery technology, these brands are well-positioned for further growth, with experts predicting that by 2030, Chinese manufacturers could account for a quarter of the UK’s EV market.

But with prices lower than many mainstream car manufacturers from Europe, Japan, and Korea, many are left wondering: Is it time to seriously consider buying a Chinese car? To help answer that, we’ve teamed up with Auto Express to address some of the most common concerns and questions that potential buyers might have.

Who Is Likely to Buy a Chinese Car?

According to a recent survey by Auto Trader, a significant number of British drivers are open to the idea of purchasing a Chinese car.

About 40% of respondents said they would consider buying a vehicle from a Chinese manufacturer, with younger drivers (aged 17 to 34) being the most receptive.

This group was attracted by factors like innovative technology and affordability.

In contrast, older drivers, particularly those over 55, are more skeptical, with many citing concerns about data security, privacy risks, and the overall quality of the vehicles.

Auto Trader’s Ian Plummer pointed out that while there is growing interest in these cars, Chinese brands will need to build trust with UK consumers, especially older ones.

Strong safety ratings, data security assurances, and positive customer service reviews will be essential in helping these brands gain a more significant foothold in the market.

What Makes Chinese EVs So Affordable?

Chinese electric vehicles have gained a reputation for being affordable, but this doesn’t necessarily mean they’re of poor quality.

According to Tom Jervis, a consumer reporter at Auto Express, there are several reasons why these cars are cheaper than their European counterparts. First, labor costs in China are significantly lower.

For example, workers at BYD’s Shenzhen factory in China earn between £555 and £777 a month, which is far less than the average wage in the UK.

Another contributing factor is the domestic supply chain. Chinese car manufacturers typically use locally sourced materials and components, which cuts down on transportation and import costs.

Finally, many of these companies benefit from government subsidies.

The Chinese government has injected substantial amounts of money into the industry, which helps keep prices low for consumers.

In response to this, the European Union has introduced tariffs to make Chinese imports less competitive, while the UK has yet to follow suit, making it an attractive market for Chinese brands.

Is It Ethical to Buy a Chinese EV?

For some potential buyers, the decision to purchase an electric vehicle is influenced by ethical considerations.

There have been concerns about human rights abuses and the environmental impact of mining precious metals used in EV batteries, especially when it comes to Chinese-made cars.

Amnesty International’s 2023 report ranked Chinese brand BYD as one of the worst for human rights practices, primarily due to a lack of transparency in how the company addresses human rights risks in its supply chain.

However, Amnesty also noted that the ethical issues surrounding EVs are not exclusive to Chinese brands, and some non-Chinese companies also face significant shortcomings.

While buying a Chinese-made car may raise ethical concerns, it’s important to consider the practices of the specific manufacturer rather than simply the country where the car is produced.

Should We Be Concerned About Spyware in Chinese Cars?

One of the most significant concerns surrounding Chinese cars is the potential for spyware or intelligence-gathering technology.

Some security experts have warned that these cars could be equipped with cellular connectivity devices or SIM cards that might allow them to track movements or eavesdrop on conversations.

Fears were further amplified when former UK Security Minister Tom Tugendhat suggested that some EVs could easily be turned into mobile surveillance tools.

The UK Ministry of Defence reportedly issued a security notice warning that sensitive conversations should not take place inside Chinese-made electric vehicles, as there were concerns that built-in microphones could be transmitting information.

However, not everyone shares these concerns. Dr. Andy Palmer, former CEO of Aston Martin, argued that the risk of spying is not unique to Chinese brands and that many of the smart devices in our everyday lives carry similar risks.

Is It Expensive to Insure Chinese EVs?

Another issue many potential buyers are considering is the cost of insuring Chinese electric vehicles.

In 2024, several Chinese-made cars, including the BYD Seal and GWM Ora Funky Cat (now the Ora 03), faced significant insurance problems.

Due to a lack of available parts and repair expertise, some insurers were forced to write off these cars for even minor damage, leading to higher premiums for these models.

Fortunately, Chinese car manufacturers have been working to address these issues.

For example, GWM has set up its own battery inspection and repair scheme, while BYD has improved the availability of spare parts.

However, as Tom Jervis points out, the insurance costs for Chinese EVs are still generally higher than their European and South Korean counterparts, so buyers should be prepared for this potential extra expense.

Are Chinese Cars Reliable?

Reliability is another crucial factor for many car buyers. Unfortunately, with many Chinese brands still new to the UK market, it’s difficult to gauge the long-term reliability of these vehicles. MG, which has been available in the UK for longer, hasn’t performed particularly well in recent reliability surveys. In the 2024 What Car? Reliability Survey, MG received poor marks for dependability, with many owners reporting faults and slow repair times. However, this is primarily based on older models, and it remains to be seen how newer Chinese cars perform in terms of reliability.

Do Chinese Car Brands Offer Long Warranties?

One area where Chinese car brands stand out is their warranty offerings.

For example, BYD provides a six-year warranty for general coverage and an eight-year warranty on its EV batteries, which must retain at least 70% of their capacity during that time.

MG also offers long warranties, including a seven-year cover for their vehicles and an eight-year, 100,000-mile warranty on the battery.

While these warranties are relatively standard for the industry, potential buyers may still have concerns about whether they will be upheld, particularly given the issues some Chinese cars have faced with repairs and insurance claims.

However, the fact that Chinese manufacturers produce their own batteries should provide some confidence that they will be able to offer replacement parts for the most expensive components of the car.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Chinese Cars in the UK

As Chinese car manufacturers continue to expand their presence in the UK, they will need to address several key issues to gain the trust of British consumers.

From concerns about reliability and insurance costs to ethical considerations and data security, there’s no shortage of questions that need answering.

But with affordable prices and a growing range of electric vehicles on offer, Chinese cars are likely to become an increasingly attractive option for British drivers in the coming years.

Stay tuned as we continue to explore which Chinese brands are already available in the UK and which ones are set to make their debut in 2025.