Chinese Car Registrations Rise 14% in 2024, but Older Drivers Remain Wary of Data Security Risks
Chinese car brands, including BYD, MG, Omoda, and Ora, are making significant strides in the UK automotive market, with a 14% increase in registrations in 2024. These brands accounted for 5% of all new car sales last year, translating to nearly 100,000 vehicles on British roads. Many of these are electric vehicles (EVs), as China's early investment in battery technology continues to give it an edge over European competitors. Experts predict that by 2030, when the UK bans new petrol and diesel car sales, Chinese brands could capture 25% of the EV market, equating to 400,000 vehicles.
MG Leads the Charge, Outselling Vauxhall, Skoda, and Tesla in 2024
MG, owned by Shanghai-based SAIC Motor, emerged as the most popular Chinese brand in the UK, selling 81,536 vehicles in 2024 and ranking 10th among all car brands. This performance outpaced established names like Vauxhall, Skoda, Peugeot, and even Tesla. Meanwhile, newer entrants such as BYD and Omoda made strong debuts, with 8,788 and 3,629 sales respectively. Ora, a subsidiary of Great Wall Motors, also saw growth, registering 1,162 vehicles. Jaecoo and Skywell, newer arrivals, recorded 215 registrations in their first year.
Young Buyers Embrace Chinese Cars, While Older Drivers Voice Privacy Concerns
Auto Trader's annual study, based on a survey of 3,985 UK adults, reveals a generational divide in attitudes toward Chinese car brands. Among 17-to-34-year-olds, 57% are open to purchasing Chinese vehicles, citing innovative technology and affordability as key factors. However, older drivers remain sceptical, with 40% of those aged 55 and over expressing concerns about data security and privacy risks. Additionally, 43% of this age group distrust the quality of Chinese-made products. Despite these reservations, industry experts like Dr. Andy Palmer, former CEO of Aston Martin, argue that fears of covert spyware are overstated and not unique to Chinese EVs.
Chinese-Built Cars Dominate Global Production, Including European and US Brands
The influence of Chinese manufacturing extends beyond homegrown brands. Models from Polestar, Volvo, Tesla, and Mini are now produced in China, further boosting the country's presence in the UK market. As Chinese car brands continue to expand their footprint, their combination of cutting-edge technology, competitive pricing, and growing consumer acceptance positions them for sustained growth. However, addressing privacy concerns and building trust among older buyers will be crucial for long-term success in the UK and beyond.