Jaecoo and Omoda record biggest gains in UK awareness of Chinese car brands

Jaecoo and Omoda have recorded the biggest increases in consumer awareness among Chinese car brands in the UK during the past year, according to the latest findings from the Startline Used Car Tracker.

The research found awareness of Jaecoo has risen by 19 percentage points year-on-year to 34%, while Omoda increased by nine percentage points to 23%, compared with identical research conducted in May 2025.

Despite the rapid rise of newer entrants, BYD remains the best-known Chinese car brand among UK motorists, recognised by 43% of consumers surveyed.

Other manufacturers beginning to establish a profile in the UK market include Chery (21%), Changan (15%), Deepal (13%), Denza (13%) and Xpeng (12%).

Paul Burgess, CEO at Startline Motor Finance, said: “Since we asked this question 12 months ago, there has been rapid progress for Chinese new entrants in the UK, with Jaecoo even claiming the best-selling new model in March.

“What our findings show is that a small number of brands – BYD, Jaecoo, Omoda and Chery – have established a relatively high and growing level of brand recognition, but there is also a following pack of others struggling to differentiate themselves.

“However, as the rapid rise of Jaecoo shows, this is very much a fluid situation, and any of those manufacturers could make an impact relatively quickly. It’ll be interesting to see the situation when we repeat this exercise in 2027.”

The latest Startline Used Car Tracker also found that almost seven out of 10 consumers (68%) would consider buying a Chinese car, while 69% said they would be willing to purchase a vehicle from an unfamiliar brand if the price and quality were right.

Burgess added: “The success seen by some Chinese brands is very much about getting the basics right. They have achieving sales by offering well-equipped, competent models at attractive prices backed by large, credible dealer networks.”

The Startline Used Car Tracker is compiled monthly for Startline Motor Finance by APD Global Research. The latest survey questioned 309 consumers and 62 dealers.