Chinese Automakers Capture Record Market Share in UK Amidst Established Brand Declines

Chinese car brands are rapidly expanding their presence in the United Kingdom, capturing a record 15.8% of the new car market by the end of June 2026. This surge is putting pressure on established European, Korean, and Japanese manufacturers, many of which are experiencing declining market shares.

New-entrant brands, including Jaecoo, BYD, and Omoda, have shown the strongest gains. According to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), these brands collectively represent a significant shift in the UK automotive landscape.

MG, owned by China's SAIC Motor since 2007, leads the pack among Chinese manufacturers with a 4.32% market share. The brand, which has transformed from a British heritage marque into a producer of affordable vehicles, now offers 15 models, from the Cyberster to the MG3.

BYD, the world's largest electric vehicle manufacturer, holds the second-largest market share at 3.43%. Since its UK passenger car launch in March 2023, BYD has become Britain's best-selling EV brand in the first quarter of 2026 and offers a diverse lineup of electric and plug-in hybrid models, alongside its Denza sub-brand.

Jaecoo, which launched in February 2025, has achieved a 3.06% market share, boosted by the social media attention around its Jaecoo 7 SUV, which was likened to the Range Rover Velar. The brand offers models in petrol, hybrid, and plug-in hybrid variants.

Omoda, another Chery Group brand, launched in August 2024 and holds a 1.71% market share. It offers a range of models including the Omoda 5, E5, 7, and the flagship 9 SHS-P.

Chery, the namesake brand of the Chery Group, began selling SUVs in the UK in the summer of 2025 and has already captured a 1.64% market share. The group, which also includes Omoda and Jaecoo, has a combined market share of 6.41% from its UK brands.

Other Chinese manufacturers with notable market presence include Geely at 0.63% and Leapmotor at 0.65%. Leapmotor, operating as a joint venture with Stellantis, offers models including the T03 city car, priced as the UK's second-cheapest new EV.

Changan, present in Europe for two decades, has secured a 0.15% market share in the UK with its electric SUV offerings. XPeng, a technology-focused electric vehicle maker, holds a 0.07% market share with its G6 electric SUV.

At the lower end of the market share, Aion holds 0.02%, while Great Wall Motor (GWM) and Skywell each have 0.01%. Skywell's presence in the UK is currently uncertain as its importer, Innovation Automotive, has ceased trading, and the company is seeking a new distributor.

In contrast to the growth of Chinese brands, many established automakers are seeing their market share decline. BMW's share is down 3.59% year-to-date, and Ford is down 5.19%. Dacia has seen a 6.02% decrease, Land Rover is down 1.98%, and Hyundai's share has fallen by 8.60%.

Japanese brands have experienced more significant losses, with Nissan down 15.77%, Honda down 16.44%, and Mazda down 20.77%. Seat, part of the Volkswagen Group, has suffered the steepest decline, with its market share falling by 28.77%.