Chinese Automakers Rapidly Expand UK Dealer Networks and Warranty Offerings
New entrants like MG, Chery brands, BYD, and Leapmotor are building extensive sales and service infrastructure to compete with established European car manufacturers in the UK market.
Chinese car brands are experiencing rapid expansion in the United Kingdom, accompanied by a swift growth in their dealer and after-sales networks. Brands such as MG, Chery (including its Omoda, Jaecoo, and Lepas marques), BYD, and Leapmotor are establishing a significant presence, aiming to rival established European automakers.
MG, owned by Chinese automotive giant SAIC since 2007, has become a recognizable name in the UK. The brand currently boasts 180 dealerships. MG assures customers that their vehicles are serviced by fully trained and certified technicians using genuine MG parts. For added peace of mind, MG offers a service plan that includes MOTs and provides 12 months of MG Roadside Assistance, supplied by the AA, when a car is serviced at a franchised dealer. New MG vehicles registered on or after September 1, 2019, come with a seven-year manufacturer warranty.
The Chery Group has quickly established a footprint in the UK with four brands: Omoda and Jaecoo, which launched in August 2024 and January 2025 respectively, Chery itself in summer 2025, and the recently introduced Lepas. These brands, in partnership with major automotive groups like Arnold Clark, Listers, and Sytner, have built a retail network of over 124 sites for Omoda and Jaecoo, and more than 80 for Chery. Chery encourages using its network for servicing and maintenance to ensure the use of genuine Chery parts and maintain service history for resale value. Services include complimentary washes, software updates, and vehicle health checks. Chery, Omoda, and Jaecoo all offer a seven-year warranty or 100,000 miles. However, some components, such as the infotainment unit and exhaust system, may only be covered for three years or 40,000 miles under Jaecoo's policy.
BYD (Build Your Dreams), a global leader in electric vehicle manufacturing, entered the UK market in 2023 and has seen significant year-on-year growth. The brand is expanding its dealer network through partnerships with major groups like Arnold Clark and Vertu, reaching 132 operational sites by the end of March 2026, with an anticipated 150 by mid-June. BYD highlights its service offering for lower long-term repair costs and improved vehicle performance, including free towing as part of its roadside breakdown package. BYD provides a six-year basic warranty, supplemented by an eight-year warranty for the battery and drive unit, which includes roadside assistance and on-the-spot repairs.
Leapmotor, a fast-growing electric car brand, has partnered with European automotive giant Stellantis, which owns brands like Vauxhall and Peugeot. This collaboration allows Leapmotor to leverage Stellantis's extensive network of over 800 sales and service points across Europe, ensuring customers typically have access to support within a 25-minute drive. Leapmotor-approved or genuine parts are used for servicing, and vehicles receive a complimentary health check and car wash. Leapmotor offers a four-year/60,000-mile manufacturer warranty, with some models having a three-year/60,000-mile warranty. An additional one-year top-up cover is provided for T03 EVs registered in the UK. Exclusions to these warranties can include environmental or external damage.
Chinese automakers have captured a substantial share of the UK car market in a short period, with predictions suggesting the number of available brands could reach 80 by 2026, up from 50 in 2019. The rapid development of their dealer networks and after-sales services is a key strategy in their competitive approach.