Almost half of UK drivers would now consider buying a Chinese car, according to new data from Carwow.
A survey by the online used car retailer found that 49% of buyers would be ‘open’ to considering a Chinese brand for their next vehicle.
The result represents an all-time high for the number of motorists willing to drive a Chinese model, up from 40% when Carwow last conducted its survey in January.
The firm found that cost was the biggest factor behind the rise, with 42% of respondents citing it as the main reason they would choose a Chinese brand.
Meanwhile, a further 24% pointed to ‘competitive discounts’.
The survey polled 1,270 drivers and experts say the results show that drivers are becoming less focused on traditional brand loyalty.
Reacting to the findings, Ben Carter, chief customer, marketing and media officer at Carwow, said: ‘The dramatic increase in UK drivers considering Chinese brands on our platform isn’t just about a response to cost-of-living pressures or lower price tags, it’s a shift in how people think about their cars.
‘Buyers are leaving badge loyalty behind and looking for impressive tech and great value. 2026, or the “Year of the Fire Horse”, is shaping up to be a huge year for the UK automotive market, and there’s a lot of ambition, pace and significant volatility for car brands.’
Carwow also found that Interest in Chinese cars has translated into greater activity on its marketplace, with enquiries for Chinese models up 119% year-on-year in the first seven months of 2026.
The number of Chinese-brand models available through the platform has also risen to more than 50, compared with 30 in August 2025.
Carter added: ‘Our market may be moving quickly in terms of new entrants, but buyers’ need for simplicity and transparency remains constant.
‘Our focus remains on providing the data-backed clarity our partners need for their next opportunity.’
