Chinese automakers expand in UK — and many Brits are embracing them

MAIDSTONE, England – Izzy Woodrow believes it.

Four weeks ago, he joined a small but growing number of Brits buying a Chinese-made vehicle.

“I have a car that I enjoy driving [and is] super comfortable. It’s very quiet, the fit and finish is great, and the tech experience is enjoyable. ” said Woodrow in an interview at Lipscomb Cars in Maidstone, England. The Geely dealership in southeast London opened last year.

This is part of a trend as sales of Chinese-made cars are increasing in the UK.

In 2015, Brits bought just 384 Chinese vehicles imported into the country, according to automotive consultancy Mobility Global. In 2020, this number increased to 25,302 and last year it exceeded 285,000.

Despite selling only two Geely models, Lipscomb is attracting buyers like Chris and Tracy Smith.

“This is what you get for your money and equipment, unlike the top brands that probably sell for more money but with fewer accessories,” Chris Smith said.

Analyst Will Roberts of automotive consultancy Benchmark said Chinese-made vehicles from companies such as BYD were no longer a novelty in the UK.

“I remember spotting the first BYD crossing London Bridge a few years ago and it was kind of a big moment. It’s become second nature ever since,” Roberts said.

China’s automobile exports have boomed in recent years as the country’s appetite for new models has diminished. According to the China Association of Automobile Manufacturers, in the first half of 2026, retail auto sales fell 26% compared to last year, while auto exports increased 72%.

While there is an influx of Chinese-made cars and SUVs throughout Europe, the UK stands out because it does not impose additional tariffs on plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, as in the European Union.

This provided an opening for Chinese automakers.

“It’s becoming a perfectly sized market that’s moving well towards electrification and there’s demand for cheaper vehicles that need to fill that gap,” Roberts said.

Many Chinese models are priced several thousand pounds less than comparable models from older car manufacturers. For example, a new Volkswagen Tiguan plug-in hybrid made in Germany sells for just $300,000 in the UK. £43,000 ($58,000). In comparison, BYD Seal U made in China costs almost £10,000 less.

Executives at legacy automakers, including the so-called U.S. Big 3, have long complained that Chinese government subsidies to automakers allow those companies to sell cars much cheaper than other automakers in Asia, the U.S. and Europe. Despite these complaints, China’s automobile exports continue to grow.

“The Chinese are coming to Europe with really attractive cars at really attractive prices, with technology that kind of blows away what they can buy from a European manufacturer.” said the old General Engines board member Jon McNeill told CNBC.

Lipscomb Cars dealer John Panda-Noah said he believed competitive pricing could draw buyers in the door, but the new Geely’s fit, finish and technology won them over.

“When they see the car, they are blown away by how good it looks,” he said.