Over the years, China’s automotive giants have subtly entered the European and UK territories by becoming silent stakeholders or partners of household car brands. Brands like Volvo and Lotus, for instance, rest under the umbrella of China’s Geely, while MG Motor is owned by the state-governed SAIC Motor.
The association between European car manufacturers and Chinese industries isn’t new, given the previous mandate for foreign firms to align with local Chinese businesses to retail in the enormous Chinese car market. The buzz now, however, is about the introduction of various Chinese brands in the upcoming years.
When we talk about reliability, it’s still early days. Yet, MG Motor, now Chinese-owned, secured a respectable 9th place in the 2022 What Car? Used Car Reliability Survey. It’s hopeful that new Chinese entries would adopt a similar strategy, offering extended warranties as a sign of confidence.
Here’s a sneak peek at some of the imminent Chinese entrants:
AIWAYS
Originating from Shanghai, Aiways flaunts a Tesla-esque design and ambition. Set to step into the UK market in summer 2023, its electric U5 crossover is poised to be a competitor to brands like Ford and Tesla. The pricing remains a suspense, but estimates suggest it might start around £45,000.
BYD
From its modest beginnings as a battery producer in 1995, BYD has grown into a formidable brand, producing everything in-house. It plans to introduce its electric family car, the BYD Atto 3, in the UK by spring 2023. The company aims to be an affordable premium alternative to its European counterparts.
NIO
Often dubbed the “Chinese Tesla,” NIO specializes in high-tech electric vehicles, providing futuristic features like battery-swap stations and in-car robotic assistance. Expected to reach UK shores by the end of 2023, it will offer a variety of models to compete with Tesla’s lineup.
ORA
The brainchild of the global giant Great Wall Motors, Ora concentrates solely on electric vehicles. With its stylish “Funky Cat” already available in the UK, another offering named “Next Cat” is set to arrive soon.
XPENG
With a tech-centric approach, XPENG plans to launch its range of electric cars in the UK in the forthcoming years. The focus is on offering aerodynamic design combined with advanced battery technology. Maxus: Evolving from the British LDV legacy, Maxus transitioned from commercial EVs to passenger segments. Its latest, the Mifa 9, while opulent inside, is steeply priced, making it a tough sell against stalwarts like the Mercedes S-Class. However, it’s worth watching this space, as more affordably tagged models might be on the horizon.
HiPhi
An emerging EV player, HiPhi is on track to introduce its vehicles in Europe by 2023’s end. Their portfolio boasts the HiPhi Z and HiPhi X, with the former being a potential competitor for Porsche’s Taycan. The recent Shanghai Auto Show also saw them pull the curtains off the HiPhi Y, a compact crossover tailored for Europe.
With as many as 25 Chinese brands anticipated to grace the UK by 2024, it promises to be a fascinating period for automotive enthusiasts. The UK’s transition from combustion engines presents a golden window for these brands to make an indelible mark. The challenge? To ensure they’re not just a fleeting shadow but a mainstay in the evolving automotive landscape.
