Chinese cars are gaining momentum in the market with sales up and demand never higher in a challenge to existing Western manufacturers. BYD, Omoda and Jaecoo are among the top brands enjoying dazzling sales success as motorists opt for cheaper models over established marques.
Data from the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) showed that sales of electric cars jumped to a record high in September. Although Chinese manufacturers were among those leading the way with BYD reporting that a staggering 11,271 cars had been sold across just one month.
SMMT data shows BYD has now sold 35,604 models in 2025, with the brand enjoying a 2.26% market share after a staggering year of growth. According to BYD, the September figures were 880% higher than September 2024, illustrating the giant steps the Chinese brand has taken.
Price is among the major selling points, with their star models thousands of pounds cheaper than Western alternatives. The new BYD Atto 2 is priced at just £30,000, cheaper than many of its rivals such as the Kia EV3 and Skoda Elroq.
But, the SEAL U DM-i is the best-selling model in the UK with over 7,500 vehicles leaving forecourts between July and September. At £33,000, the model is also cheaper than many of its plug-in hybrid SUV rivals like the Hyundai Tucson and Volkswagen Tiguan.
Bono Ge, Country Manager at BYD UK said: “To see us achieve our largest ever sales month in the UK is clearly fantastic, but to become the largest overseas market for BYD too, makes me immensely proud.
“With even more new plug-in hybrid and electric cars to be launched in the months ahead and having just celebrated our 100th retailer opening, the future for us in this country looks hugely exciting.”
Omoda and Jaecoo, who specialise in plug-in models, also achieved its strongest performance to date last month, with 10,812 models sold between the two brands in September. Chery bosses have been thrilled at the sales success of the Jaecoo with over 18,000 models sold to the UK market so far this year.
Gary Lan, CEO of OMODA&JAECOO UK, said: “To see more than 10,000 customers choose OMODA&JAECOO in a single month is a powerful endorsement of the work we’ve all put in – not only recently but in the years we’ve also spent preparing to enter one of the world’s most mature automotive markets.
“Each month brings new growth and tells us that British drivers connect with our vision – cars that combine design, technology and service in a way that feels fresh and relevant to modern life.”
