Almost half of UK drivers would now be in favour of using a Chinese car as motorists quickly adapt to the growing number of impressive vehicles hitting the market.
New research shows that 49 per cent of car owners across the UK would now consider a Chinese brand as their next vehicle.
This is a huge increase compared to the 35 per cent seen in the first half of 2026 and more than double the 24 per cent who said they would consider one in H1 of 2023.
It follows the launch of multiple Chinese car brands in the UK in recent years, including the likes of BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda, Chery, Geely, Aion and more.
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The data from Carwow found that leads for Chinese car brands on the platform have jumped from 14 per cent in H1 2025 to 30 per cent in H1 2026.
At the same time, consumer attitudes for established brands from Europe, North America, Japan and South Korea have fallen from 86 per cent to 70 per cent.
Ben Carter, chief customer, marketing and media officer at Carwow, said there had been a clear shift in how people think about their cars.
He added this was a bigger factor for motorists than the cost of living crisis or more affordable prices, which Chinese brands tend to offer more than established brands.
Data shows that value for money is a key factor for motorists looking to switch, as cited by 42 per cent of people, up from 36 per cent in the first half of the year.
Mr Carter continued, saying: “Buyers are leaving badge loyalty behind and looking for impressive tech and great value.
“2026 or the ‘Year of the Fire Horse’ is shaping up to be a huge year for the UK automotive market – there’s a lot of ambition, pace and significant volatility for car brands.
“There are good Chinese cars, just as there are from every country of origin – which one you choose really depends on what you need from it.”
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Consumer awareness of Chinese cars has also risen dramatically, with Jaecoo leading the charge, jumping from 46 per cent to 69 per cent in just 12 months.
Jaecoo’s popularity has been underpinned by the rampant success of the Jaecoo 7, which is the UK’s third best-selling vehicle so far this year.
More than 26,500 Jaecoo 7 models have been sold, falling only behind the Kia Sportage in second and Ford Puma in first.
Despite only launching in the UK two years ago, the Jaecoo 7 is already outselling the Nissan Qashqai, Vauxhall Corsa, Volkswagen Golf, Mini Cooper and Volvo XC40.
Other Chinese brands have seen their popularity increase, including Jaecoo’s sister brands Chery (from 16 per cent to 50 per cent) and Omoda (from 42 per cent to 57 per cent).
Chinese manufacturers that have been on the market for a slightly longer period of time have solidified their position on the list, including BYD, which has risen from 28 per cent in 2023 to 71 per cent now.
Steve Walker, head of digital content at Auto Express, said: “Chinese cars have entered the market and are competing very strongly on value for money – we saw the same thing when Japanese and Korean brands first arrived in the UK.
“This is keeping the established brands honest and creating some very attractive deals for consumers across the market. It’s a great time to buy a car but the rapidly changing marketplace can certainly be confusing.”
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