Chinese brands continue to take significant steps to increase their market presence in the UK, with new data showing that drivers are flocking to vehicles made in China.
Five of the top 10 most-enquired new cars in July are from Chinese brands as competition ramps up ahead of new number plate changes in September when sales are expected to soar.
Drivers searching for new vehicles on Autotrader also showed interest in the MG HS with a 3.5 per cent share of the market and the Jaecoo 7 (three per cent).
Other Chinese models are among the most popular on the service, including the MG4 Urban, Jaecoo 5, Chery Tiggo 8, as well as BYD being the seventh most in-demand electric car brand.
Commenting on the data, Tanya Sinclair, CEO of Electric Vehicles UK, said: “Going electric is a no-brainer, as thousands more drivers are showing in these latest figures.
“Cost-competitive, highly-specced and fantastic to drive, it’s no wonder EVs continue to perform strongly amongst all car registrations.”
Chinese car brands, including MG, are becoming increasingly popular among British drivers
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MG/GETTY
Interest in Chinese car brands has contributed to an 11 per cent year-on-year rise in visits to Autotrader’s new car platform.
The advertised new car stock is also 16 per cent higher than the same point last year, with Autotrader suggesting that this is down to growing retailer interest ahead of new plates in September.
Electric cars now make up around 25 per cent of new vehicle sales as drivers are increasingly interested in making the switch away from petrol and diesel.
The Renault 5 E-Tech is the most popular electric car, according to Autotrader, with a 5.5 per cent share of enquiries so far this month.
The MGS9 generated the highest share of new car enquiries in July
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MG
The Jaecoo 7 is one of the most popular cars in the UK
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JAECOOThis was followed by the Jaecoo 5 (4.2 per cent), BMW iX3 (3.9 per cent), Ford Explorer (3.3 per cent) and Hyudani Inster (3.1 per cent) to round out the top five.
Ginny Buckley, chief executive of Electrifying.com, the electric car buying and advice site, pointed to data that showed overwhelming interest in considering a Chinese brand.
It suggested that almost four in five drivers are not concerned where the vehicle is manufactured, and prefer to see a combination of technology, quality and value for money.
She continued, saying: “The Renault 5 leading the electric rankings reinforces the same point. Build an EV that’s affordable, desirable and easy to live with, and buyers will come.
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