Chinese Automakers Increase Sales in Europe
According to Dataforce, registrations of Chinese-brand cars in September nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, accounting for 12.7% of the market.
Chinese automakers have overtaken their Japanese rivals in the European market for the first time in a single quarter. According to Dataforce, registrations of Chinese-brand cars in September nearly doubled compared with the same period last year, accounting for 12.7% of the market. This exceeded the 11.9% share held by Japanese manufacturers, including Toyota Motor. Hybrid vehicles played a major role in this growth.
Just five years ago, Chinese brands accounted for only 1% of the European market. Today, Chinese companies are strengthening their competitiveness with affordable prices and new models. Interest in Chinese cars is growing particularly in the UK. Chery’s Jaecoo 7 SUV was the country’s best-selling car in both March and September.
Declining demand for foreign brands such as Volkswagen and BMW in China is also pushing domestic manufacturers to seek new markets. BYD and other Chinese companies are working to expand their presence in Europe.
The European Union has imposed additional tariffs on Chinese-made electric vehicles and is considering restrictions on hybrid vehicle imports. It has also proposed giving priority to European-made vehicles in government support schemes and tax incentives.
These measures could affect vehicle exports from countries such as Turkey, the UK and Morocco. Meanwhile, Chinese companies are expanding production in Europe: BYD is building a factory in Hungary, Chery is preparing to begin production in Barcelona, and Leapmotor has started manufacturing cars in Spain.