11:42 am, August 10, 2026
A dealer group boss has warned there will be ‘casualties’ among traditional retailers as the rapid rise of Chinese manufacturers transforms the UK motor trade.
Jon Mathers, CEO of Unity Automotive Group, believes established dealer groups face a ‘real challenge’ unless they adapt to a market changing at unprecedented speed, with Chinese brands refreshing model ranges faster than their European rivals and attracting customers with increasingly competitive finance offers.
He appeared on the latest episode of the Car Dealer Podcast, talking about the biggest news stories of the week with James Baggott and Jon Reay. You can listen to the interview in full below or by clicking play on the video above.
Mathers’ Warwickshire-based business operates seven dealerships and a preparation centre, representing brands including MG, Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Subaru, Isuzu and Leapmotor. It also specialises in importing and selling American vehicles such as Dodge, Ram, GMC and Cadillac models, giving it exposure to both mainstream and niche areas of the market.
Speaking on the podcast, Mathers said dealers who fail to embrace the changes risk being left behind.
He said: ‘Conventional dealers are facing a challenge going forward unless you’ve embraced this and understand it.
‘There’ll be some big groups, there’ll be some casualties out there.’
Mathers said one of the biggest differences between Chinese manufacturers and many established brands is the speed at which they develop new products.
He pointed to Alfa Romeo as an example, explaining that Stellantis had told dealers there would be no new models until 2028 while its platforms are updated.
‘In the same time MG, Leapmotor and Chery have all completely refreshed their model range in 18 months,’ he said.
‘There isn’t a car that’s the same. There’s new cars coming out all next year.’
He added: ‘Two years ago I was surprised, but now I’m not.’
Mathers believes the shift is already changing how customers buy cars.
He said aggressively-priced finance deals are pulling buyers into the new car market who may previously have opted for used vehicles, citing a recent offer on an Abarth EV at £219 deposit followed by £219 a month.
‘That has got to be taking people out of the used car market at those price points,’ he said.
He also argued the influx of Chinese manufacturers is forcing dealers to rethink traditional retail models.
Looking at large premium dealerships, Mathers questioned whether the economics of expensive showroom investments still stack up.
‘I go past Cotswold BMW and I’m like, “Holy moly.” That is such an expensive building.
‘That model… I think it’s done. I think it’s going to be a real struggle.’
Despite selling one of the largest volumes of MGs in the Midlands, Mathers believes many of the newest Chinese manufacturers are now looking beyond businesses like his when appointing franchise partners.
‘Unfortunately we’re a challenger group… we’ve got eight sites. That’s not enough.
‘The Chinese now want the big groups.
‘We couldn’t attract one if we tried.’
However, he believes MG has already established an advantage over newer arrivals because of its growing base of loyal customers.
‘Every time BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda or Chery sell a car, it’s a conquest deal,’ he said.
‘We’re now on our third customer coming in for the third car.’