Chinese car brands 'winning' against European rivals as BYD and others see 'massive growth'

Even in the UK, Chinese car producers have dominated, with the likes of BYD, Jaecoo and Omoda all selling tens of thousands of vehicles, despite launching in the last few years.

Now, the chief executive of Wallenius Wilhelmsen, one of the world's biggest operators of vehicle shipping logistics, is looking to help Chinese brands further their global development.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Lasse Kristoffersen said the company had seen "massive growth" in shipments from China to Latin America and Europe as drivers opt for Chinese brands.

Data shows how Chinese exports of vehicles soared by 23 per cent last year, to 6.4 million cars, with AlixPartners expecting Chinese brands to seal 30 per cent of the global market by the end of the decade.

"The reason why Chinese are winning market shares is because they innovate themselves. The Chinese producers have gone from being cost leaders to now being technology leaders," Mr Kristoffersen said.

BYD, China's biggest manufacturer of "new energy vehicles", has sold more than 39,000 vehicles in the UK this year, representing a massive 547 per cent year-on-year sales growth.

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In a bid to expand its UK footprint, it recently announced that the new Seal 6 DM-i Saloon and Touring models will launch soon from £33,990 and £34,990, respectively.

Similarly, Jaecoo has sold 21,021 new cars, while its sister brand Omoda has registered 16,325 vehicles. They have an impressive combined market share of more than two per cent.

Jaecoo's flagship 7 model has quickly become one of the most popular in the UK, with it ranking in seventh for new vehicles in October.

Despite launching less than a year ago, Jaecoo has quickly gained a foothold in the plug-in hybrid market, alongside a constantly expanding dealer network.

Mr Kristoffersen added that European brands were "challenged in both their home market and in their east and west overseas markets", although he noted that steps were being taken to address this.

As it continues its rapid expansion, BYD has used large container ships to export vehicles worldwide, including to the UK.

Its Xi'an vehicle carrier shipping vessel recently completed a world tour in which 7,000 new energy vehicles were shipped to the UK, Italy, Spain and Belgium.

Several other Chinese brands have announced UK expansion plans in recent months, including Xpeng, Chery and Geely.

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Geely is no stranger to the UK, with the Hangzhou-based brand controlling Lotus, Polestar, Smart and taxi giant LEVC.

Despite the Government investing heavily in electric vehicles, as seen with the £650million Electric Car Grant, it is unlikely that any Chinese brands will benefit from the incentive.

Speaking at the time of the Grant's launch earlier this year, Transport Minister Lilian Greenwood said it would be counter-productive to offer large discounts to brands that continue to use fossil fuels.

She highlighted that many Chinese factories producing electric vehicles were powered by coal and other fossil fuels, going against the UK Government's environmental targets.