The Chinese car manufacturers you need to know about
There’s no getting away from the fact that Chinese car manufacturers are flooding the UK car market right now.
Chinese cars offer bang up-to-date on-board technology, premium-feeling interiors, efficient electric powertrains and, above all else, they represent excellent value for money.
If you’re in the market for a new car, and want to go down the Chinese route, what is there to offer?
Here is our guide to the latest Chinese car makes and models available here at UK Carline.
BYD
BYD stands for ‘Build Your Dreams’ and is probably the most well-known of all the latest Chinese car makers.
It began selling cars in the UK in 2023 and it’s one of China’s richest and largest car makers. The company was founded in 1995 as a battery manufacturing company, although it wasn’t until 2003 that the firm started to produce passenger vehicles.
Its first car was the F3 compact saloon, which was sold in China and was designed to compete with the Toyota Corolla. By 2008, BYD had introduced its first plug-in hybrid car, with the F3DM, until introducing its first EV in 2009 with the e6.
Fast forward 16 years and BYD is at the top of the tree when it comes to electrified vehicles, after introducing seven new models to the UK in just two years.
What cars do BYD sell?
The first BYD to come to Britain was the Atto 3 electric SUV, which rivals the likes of the Kia Niro EV and Hyundai Kona Electric.
Next up is the Dolphin compact electric hatchback to take on the MG4 and Volkswagen ID.3. This was followed by the electric Seal four-door saloon, which is BYD’s take on the Tesla Model 3.
In 2024, the firm launched its first plug-in hybrid to the European market with the Seal U DM-i, which rivals the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage. The Sealion 7 is the firm’s largest model and is a more premium electric SUV to compete with the Tesla Model Y and Hyundai Ioniq 5.
At the smaller end of the market, there is the Dolphin Surf, which is an electric city car and is battling against the Renault 5 and Hyundai Inster, while the latest offering is the Atto 2 B-segment SUV, which is available with electric power and there will be a plug-in hybrid variant launched next year.
BYD’s future models
BYD is planning to offer more plug-in hybrid models with the Atto 2 DM-i. It will also launch a PHEV estate, called the Seal 6 DM-i, while the firm is planning to bring its Shark pick-up truck to the UK, too.
BYD will also introduce its ‘Denza’ and ‘Yangwang’ premium sub-brands, which will produce luxury four-door coupes and off-roaders.
Omoda/Jaecoo
They might have different names and badges, but Omoda and Jaecoo are owned by the same company, Chery.
Chery is one of China’s largest car manufacturers, with Omoda and Jaecoo part of its ‘export strategy’ programme, allowing the firm to expand its vehicle line-up to European markets under different names.
Omoda started selling cars in the UK last year and focuses on selling sporty coupe-esque SUVs, while Jaecoo is the more premium end of the market and sells more practical family cars.
What does Omoda sell?
The Omoda range currently consists of the 5 SUV, which is a petrol-powered crossover to rival the Nissan Qashqai and Skoda Karoq, and the E5 is the electric variant.
Recently, the firm has introduced the new 9 SUV; featuring plug-in hybrid power and is the most luxurious and poshest model in the Omoda range.
Omoda’s future models
Currently, the firm is about to launch the 7 SUV, which will feature a plug-in hybrid powertrain and is going up against the Ford Kuga.
What does Jaecoo sell?
Jaecoo on the other hand offers the 7 SUV, which is available with petrol and the firm’s plug-in hybrid ‘SHS’ system. It rivals the Hyundai Tucson and Kia Sportage and has recently managed to secure a top 10 place in the UK’s best-sellers list.
Jaecoo has also just entered the compact B-segment SUV market with the 5 and E5, rivalling cars like the Ford Puma and Renault 4.
Jaecoo’s future models
Jaecoo is planning to launch its new 8 SUV in the UK next year, featuring seven seats and will be the firm’s flagship model.
Changan
Changan is the newest addition from China to the UK market. However, Changan is China’s oldest car maker after it was founded in 1862.
The company began producing cars in 1984 and signed a deal with Suzuki to produce the SC112 MPV and SC110 Truck.
In the last 40 years, Changan has gone on to be one of China’s largest automobile groups and even has joint ventures with Ford, Mazda and JMC.
What cars does Changan sell?
The UK market only gets one Changan model for now with the Deepal S07 electric SUV. It rivals the Skoda Enyaq and Tesla Model Y and is marketed as a comfortable and premium family crossover.
Changan’s future models
For now, Changan plans to launch the smaller S05 SUV, while next year we expect to see another SUV join its model line-up, with the firm planning on offering eight vehicles in the near future.
GWM
GWM stands for ‘Great Wall Motors’ and is one of the longest-serving Chinese car manufacturers in the UK.
Although, you may not know that as its previous track record of selling vehicles was focused more towards commercialised pick-ups and vans.
In 2022, the brand launched its first passenger vehicle to the UK market with the ORA Funky Cat. That might sound like a silly name, yet the car was to be taken seriously as it was going up against the Renault Zoe and Nissan Leaf.
GWM then decided to change the car’s name and rebrand it as the GWM ORA 03, which sounds more conventional.
What cars does GWM sell?
GWM sells more cars than you might think, as it has three separate brands depending on the type of vehicle. The first is the aforementioned ORA 03, which is an electric supermini, followed by the GWM Haval Jolion Pro hybrid SUV, which rivals the Dacia Duster, and now you also have the GWM Poer 300 pick-up truck; an Isuzu D-Max alternative that comes with a 2.4-litre turbocharged diesel engine.
GWM’s future models
GWM’s ORA brand were going to launch the compact 07 saloon; however, that model has been axed in favour of the new 5 SUV, which will have similar design details to the 03 supermini and will rival the Nissan Qashqai when it comes to Britain next year.
Xpeng
Xpeng is one of the latest additions to China’s automotive industry, after it was founded in 2014.
The brand launched in the UK this year and focuses its passenger vehicles on the electric market, seeing itself as China’s answer to Tesla.
It has been responsible for making some of the most innovative concepts on the planet from robots, flying cars and six-wheeled vehicles.
So now, it wants to have a crack at the EV market, with more models planned in the making.
What cars does Xpeng sell?
There is just one Xpeng model on the market, which is the G6 coupe electric SUV; a direct rival to the Tesla Model Y. It features an all-wheel drive setup and is one of the fastest EVs to charge up on the market with all models compatible with 451kW DC rapid-charging, allowing for a 10 to 80 per cent top-up to take just 12 minutes.
Xpeng’s future models
The firm is working on a new luxury limousine MPV with the X9, which will directly rival the Lexus LM. Plus, later next year, the G6’s larger brother, the G9, will make its debut. It will share the same all-wheel drive setup and will be battery-powered, which will be able to charge up at speeds of 525kW.
Fancy checking out a car from any of these up-and-coming Chinese brands? Take a look at our current stock here at UK Carline, or get in touch with a member of the team to find out more.
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