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  "path": "/lifestyle/cars/drivers-cheaper-chinese-cars-net-zero-plans",
  "publishedAt": "2026-03-19T15:17:16.000Z",
  "site": "https://www.gbnews.com",
  "tags": [
    "Parking operator NCP collapses and places 340 car parks at risk - full list of potential closures",
    "Labour told to give EVs free parking and access to bus lanes in desperate bid to boost uptake",
    "Driving law changes to see new licence and parking rules introduced across England",
    "The GB News Editorial Charter"
  ],
  "textContent": "\n\n\nMotorists have shown unprecedented enthusiasm for Chinese vehicles, which have grown rapidly across the UK over the past year.\n\nNew data revealed that Chinese brands now represent 18.1 per cent of all lease enquiries in 2026 to date.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThis marks a dramatic rise from the 9.2 per cent share recorded throughout 2025, representing a 97 per cent year-on-year surge in consumer interest.\n\nThe data indicated that almost one in five drivers who are exploring lease options is now actively considering Chinese brands.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nTRENDING\n\nStories\n\nVideos\n\nYour Say\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe five most popular Chinese manufacturers searched by UK consumers last year were BYD, Omoda, MG, GWM and Leapmotor, according to the comparison site's records.\n\nThe growing appetite for Chinese vehicles was found to stem largely from their attractive pricing in the electric vehicle segment, as well as extended ranges and sophisticated onboard technology.\n\nAnalysts attributed the shift to Chinese carmakers' strategic focus on the EV market, where they are delivering vehicles at price points that undercut many established European competitors.\n\nAs the UK progresses towards its 2030 Zero Emission Vehicle mandate, which would ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars, cost-conscious consumers appear to be increasingly willing to explore unfamiliar brands.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nAdditional Chinese manufacturers are expected to launch in the UK market in the coming years, intensifying competition within the electric vehicle sector.\n\nThe financial appeal of Chinese brands has been substantial, with data showing monthly lease payments averaging roughly 27 per cent less than comparable European models.\n\nThis significant cost differential appears to be reshaping consumer attitudes as the deadline for ending conventional fuel vehicle sales draws closer.\n\n### LATEST DEVELOPMENTS\n\n\n\n\n  * Parking operator NCP collapses and places 340 car parks at risk - full list of potential closures\n  * Labour told to give EVs free parking and access to bus lanes in desperate bid to boost uptake\n  * Driving law changes to see new licence and parking rules introduced across England\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nDrivers who might previously have dismissed lesser-known manufacturers are reconsidering their options when faced with the prospect of lower running costs combined with competitive specifications.\n\nJohn Wilmot, chief executive of LeaseLoco.com, said: \"We've seen a huge jump in interest in Chinese car brands over the past year, particularly from drivers looking for more affordable electric vehicle options.\"\n\nHe noted that these manufacturers are bringing well-equipped electric vehicles to the UK with modern technology and competitive monthly lease rates, making it unsurprising that consumers are giving them serious consideration.\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n###\n\n\n\n\nThe expert highlighted that leasing offers a particular advantage for those curious about newer brands, as it eliminates the commitment of long-term ownership.\n\nMr Wilmot added: \"That makes it an appealing way to test out a vehicle that might offer better value or features than some more established models.\n\n\"That said, it's still important for drivers to do their research by looking into things like servicing availability, warranty cover, and independent safety ratings.\"\n\n###\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n**Our Standards: The GB News Editorial Charter**",
  "title": "Drivers ditch big brands for cheaper Chinese models as net zero plans favour foreign cars"
}