More than seven out of ten UK motorists are open to purchasing vehicles from emerging Chinese car manufacturers, according to Startline’s June Used Car Tracker.
In the survey, 72% of respondents expressed willingness to consider Chinese cars.
BYD emerged as the most recognised brand among potential buyers, with 28% awareness, followed by Maxus at 19% and Chery at 14%.
Other brands such as Aiways, Denza, and Jaecoo each garnered 11% while Omoda and Xpeng stood at 10%.
Nio, Skywell, and GWM Ora achieved 9%, with Leapmotor, Lynk & Co, HiPhi, and Zeekr trailing.
Startline Motor Finance CEO Paul Burgess said: “Chinese manufacturers are making a concerted assault on the UK market – almost 12,000 BYDs were sold here in the first four months of the year – and our research shows that consumers are receptive to the idea of buying a car from them.”
Burgess further explained that differentiation is a challenge for these new entrants.
Those investing in marketing and dealer networks are seeing increased consumer awareness, with BYD as a prime example.
Despite this, 18% of respondents prefer established brands, 11% have quality concerns, and 7% wish to support British manufacturers.
Additional concerns include parts availability and security, each noted by 4% of respondents, and dealer support, mentioned by 2%.
Burgess stated that while a small group of car buyers exhibits some hesitation, significant concerns typically associated with the quality and support offered by new Chinese automakers are notably minimal.
Compiled by APD Global Research, the Startline Used Car Tracker surveyed 301 consumers and 66 dealers, providing insights into consumer perceptions and market trends.
Earlier this year, Startline Motor Finance secured a five-year credit facility worth £475m ($583m) from the US bank JP Morgan.
Startline offers near-prime financing solutions to approximately half of the UK’s top 50 franchised car dealers and 70% of the leading 50 independent automotive retailers, based on revenue.
“Startline survey reveals Chinese car brands gain traction among UK motorists” was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand.
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