European car manufacturers won’t win a price war with China as UK customers flock to secure new budget SUVs. Chinese manufacturers have taken the market by storm in 2025 with top brands such as Omoda, Chery, Jaecoo and BYD making major inroads. 
Jaecoo sales have soared in recent months in a breakthrough 2025, with over 20,000 models already sold in the company’s debut year. The budget SUV and Range Rover rival was also the best-selling Chinese model in November, with families among those placing a deposit. Lower prices are among the biggest draws, with models often thousands of pounds cheaper than traditional Western manufacturers.
READ MORE: European car market panic as major brand hit by Chinese sales woes
READ MORE: Labour under pressure from car industry to halve tax charge for these vehicles
We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our Privacy Policy
Set Daily Express as a ‘Preferred Source’ to get quicker access to the news you value.Jaecoo cars are £40,000 down on Range Rover models, with the Chery Tiggo 7 under £30,000, £10,000 cheaper than the similar Skoda Kodiaq. However, speaking exclusively to Express.co.uk, Adam Gray, expert at the Car Buying Coach, stressed vehicles still need to prove they can compete and not just on price. 
He said: “Yes, Western brands are under pressure. Chinese manufacturers are fast, tech-heavy, and aggressive on price. Legacy brands won’t win a price war, so they need to win on trust — proven reliability, strong support, and resale value. Chinese brands look exciting, but they still have to prove themselves over ten years of ownership.”
A July study of 12,104 AA members revealed that 33% of road users would consider buying a Chinese vehicle. A poll from Startline Motor Finance has revealed that Chinese brand BYD has the highest level of brand recognition. 
A total of 28% of those polled said they were aware of the outfit after an equally impressive 2025. The Chinese manufacturer has begun outselling Tesla to become the dominant EV brand in the country. 
Lower prices are one thing, but affordable finance deals are also bringing customers to the table. 
Adam told Express.co.uk: “Price grabs attention, but trust closes the deal. Buyers want a monthly payment they can manage and a car that won’t let them down. 
“Chinese SUVs are a threat because they make people ask, ‘Why spend £45k when £30k gets me more tech?’ If that mindset spreads, established brands have a real fight on their hands.”
SEARCH
CONNECT WITH US
TODAY’S PAPER
See today’s front and back pages, download the newspaper, order back issues and use the historic Daily Express newspaper archive.
EXPRESS.CO.UK
Daily Express uses notifications to keep you updated

source