3 Chinese Car Brands Begin to Overtake Japanese Popularity in the UK

KatadataOTO – Chinese cars are predicted to sell around 200 thousand units in the UK throughout 2025. This signals a shift in the trend away from Japanese cars in Europe.

According to Carscoops, the number of Chinese cars imported into the UK accounts for about 10 percent of new vehicle sales there.

This is interesting because previously, products from China were less considered by consumers, especially in Europe.

Based on data from European analysts, the total estimated sales of Chinese cars in the UK are projected to reach 200 thousand units throughout 2025.

Photo: KatadataOTO

Three brands from China are mentioned as the main contributors to the market share in the UK, namely MG, BYD and Jaecoo. All three are also brands that already sell their vehicle lines in Indonesia.

“At the same time, the demand for Japanese cars appears to be declining,” wrote the Carscoops report, quoted on Friday (02/01).

In terms of numbers, MG leads sales with a total of 70,000 car units in 2025. Meanwhile, BYD recorded 40,000, a sharp increase from its achievement in 2024 of 9,000 units.

Jaecoo also recorded positive results, selling 20,000 vehicle units. Omoda is said to have contributed a similar figure, but the numbers were not detailed.

Meanwhile, a number of other brands such as Chery, Polestar, and Leapmotor are starting to attract consumers, although their sales figures are still smaller.

This phenomenon is noteworthy because previously, many efforts were made to reduce the flood of Chinese products in Europe, such as tightening import tariffs.

However, because it only applies to electric cars, many products with conventional engines or hybrid technology can still be marketed freely.

The UK automotive market is also said to be open to the arrival of brands from China.

“Without a domestic volume-maker brand in the UK, consumers can no longer participate in what is called ‘patriotic purchasing’,” said Matthias Schmidt, an automotive analyst.

Many European consumers previously preferred to buy domestic products. But the variety of Chinese products seems increasingly attractive, and their prices are becoming more competitive.

Photo: BYD

Looking at the situation in Indonesia, Chinese manufacturers cannot be said to be dominant yet. But the trend is growing in a positive direction, especially for the line of environmentally friendly vehicles from BYD.

Low prices and the latest technology  are two of the many attractions offered to consumers.

Although Japanese brands are still the market leaders in Indonesia, it is worth noting that in 2026 the onslaught of Chinese cars will continue and has the potential to disrupt the dominance of the Land of the Rising Sun's brands.