Nearly half of British drivers would now consider purchasing a car from a Chinese manufacturer, a significant increase from previous years, according to a recent study by car buying and selling site Carwow. The survey found that 49% of motorists are open to Chinese brands for their next vehicle, a figure that has risen dramatically since the poll was first conducted in 2023.
This growing acceptance marks a notable shift, with willingness to consider Chinese cars up from 35% last year and just 24% in 2023. The study attributes this trend to "value for money, growing awareness and an expanding range of models" from Chinese automakers. Factors like lower pricing and more included features are key drivers, with 42% of those considering a Chinese car citing value for money as the primary reason.
Carwow's platform data further supports this trend, showing that enquiries for Chinese car brands have more than doubled from 14% in the first half of 2025 to 30% in the first six months of 2026. Conversely, interest in non-Chinese brands has fallen from 86% to 70% over the same period.
Brand recognition for Chinese manufacturers has also seen a sharp increase. Jaecoo, in particular, is becoming a familiar name, with 69% of drivers now aware of the brand, compared to 46% a year ago. The Jaecoo 7 SUV has become Britain's third most popular new car in 2026 so far, with 26,549 orders recorded between January and July. Its popularity is partly due to its resemblance to more expensive models, offering a similar aesthetic at a lower price point.
Sister brands Chery and Omoda have also experienced significant growth in awareness, with Chery's recognition rising from 16% to 50% and Omoda's from 42% to 57% in the past year, despite both having relatively short market tenures. BYD, another prominent Chinese brand, now enjoys 71% recognition among drivers, up from 28% in 2023. Xpeng's awareness has also more than doubled from 8% three years ago to 20% today.
Collectively, Chinese brands now account for over 15% of all new cars sold in Britain. Chery Group vehicles represent 6.4% of new cars registered in 2026. The success of these brands has led Chery to announce plans to manufacture vehicles for the UK market at Nissan's Sunderland factory and to establish a new research and development center in Bedfordshire.
Carwow's chief customer and marketing officer, Ben Carter, noted that the increase in consideration for Chinese brands goes beyond just cost pressures. He suggested it reflects a broader "shift in how people think about their cars," with buyers increasingly prioritizing "impressive tech and great value" over traditional brand loyalty.