Chinese Carmakers Find an Open Door in the UK as Sales Surge Across Europe

Picture Credit: MIT Technology Review

China’s automakers are accelerating their dominance across Europe, with the United Kingdom emerging as their most important market. Once home to Tesla’s flashy displays at west London’s Hogarth roundabout, the same dealership now showcases Chinese brands Omoda and Jaecoo (both owned by state-backed Chery) symbolizing a dramatic shift in the electric vehicle (EV) landscape.

Between January and September, nearly half a million Chinese cars were sold in Western Europe, and Britain accounted for 30% of those sales, according to Berlin-based automotive analyst Matthias Schmidt. The UK’s openness, unlike the EU or US where tariffs have tightened, has made it a crucial entry point for Chinese carmakers eager to expand abroad.

Leading the charge is BYD, expected to overtake Tesla as the world’s largest EV maker this year. BYD’s UK sales in September were ten times higher than a year ago, making the country its biggest market outside China. Meanwhile, Chery has topped the charts with its Omoda and Jaecoo brands, and MG (now owned by state-run SAIC) has surpassed long-established names like Vauxhall. Even Swedish marques Volvo and Polestar, both under Chinese control via Geely, underscore Beijing’s deepening automotive reach.

While the US has imposed 100% tariffs on Chinese EVs and the EU’s duties range up to 38%, Britain has refrained from similar measures. Analysts say the UK’s desire to meet carbon reduction goals and its lack of a major domestic carmaker make it more welcoming to new entrants. Industry figures also argue that Chinese competition is pushing established brands to innovate faster and cut costs.

Experts note that Britain has long been receptive to new waves of foreign automakers, from Japanese brands in the 1980s to Korean manufacturers in the 2000s. Now, history seems to be repeating itself as the next wave arrives from China, this time fueled by electric and hybrid ambitions and a drive to capture Europe’s next great car market.