Forget the Year of the Snake, as far as the automotive world is concerned, 2025 is the year of the Chinese car. Towards the end of 2024, China’s share of the global electric-vehicle market reached 76 per cent and this year EVs are expected to outsell internal-combustion engine cars in the country for the first time.
Although Chinese makers might be struggling to establish a foothold in the US, not helped by President Trump’s tariffs, they are increasing their presence in Europe and the UK. This year, 12 Chinese car brands are slated to launch in the UK, many of which already have a presence in Europe, such as Nio, Lynk & Co and XPeng. Those brands are set to join MG, BYD, GWM Ora and, more recently, Omoda and Jaecoo, which are already selling cars in the UK. The market place for new EVs from relatively unknown brands is growing, as is the rate of consumer confusion. So which brands are the best to buy?
Starting with the most saturated segment, the SUV market is set to grow substantially with the arrival of new Chinese entrants, starting with the Jaecoo 7 and Omoda E5. Both models are fresh from parent company Chery International, one of China’s largest car companies with sales in 2024 of 2.6 million cars and 80,000 employees in more than 100 countries and regions.