Chinese carmakers rapidly gain ground in Europe
Hybrid models in particular are helping brands such as BYD and Chery build market share.
Chinese carmakers reached another record share of the European car market in August. According to figures from Dataforce, brands such as BYD, MG and Chery accounted for almost 12 per cent of new car sales in the region.
Bloomberg published the figures based on data from Dataforce, which tracks European registrations. In August, Chinese brands sold not only fully electric cars, but benefited especially from demand for hybrid and plug-in hybrid models. Those cars offer buyers an intermediate step for those still uncertain about range and charging options.
In the first seven months of 2026, Chinese brands registered 813,096 vehicles in Europe, according to preliminary Dataforce figures. That was already slightly more than the 812,452 registrations recorded throughout 2025. The figures cover the European Union, the United Kingdom, Iceland, Norway and Switzerland and, according to the analysis consulted, account for approximately 98 per cent of that market.
The advance is not evenly distributed across powertrains. Dataforce identified strong growth in hybrid and battery-electric cars in August, while models powered solely by petrol lost ground. Chinese brands are using hybrid models to reach consumers who want lower emissions and lower fuel costs, but are not yet willing to depend entirely on charging points.
For European carmakers, the development means additional competition in a market already under pressure from the shift towards electric power. Chinese brands combine a broad range with keen prices and technology that is adapted quickly. European manufacturers, by contrast, are seeking to leverage scale, brand trust, local production and established dealer networks.
European trade rules play a part in the competitive balance. The heaviest additional duties target battery-electric cars built in China; hybrid models are not covered by the measure in the same way. That makes plug-in hybrids a more attractive route to European customers for Chinese manufacturers, although the precise influence of tariffs, subsidies and production in Europe remains a matter of debate.
The Dataforce figures are preliminary and concern registrations, not profits, production or customer satisfaction. A high share of new sales also does not yet mean that Chinese brands have structurally overtaken established manufacturers. It is clear, however, that they are no longer a niche: their growth affects prices, distribution, suppliers and the strategic choices of European carmakers.
One story, several perspectives
What is established
- According to Dataforce, Chinese brands accounted for almost 12 per cent of new car sales in Europe in August.
- Hybrid and plug-in hybrid models made a strong contribution to the growth.
- European trade measures are aimed primarily at battery-electric cars from China.
- The figures concern registrations and are preliminary.
Left
Arguments Europe should link competition to climate and labour standards. Cheaper electric and hybrid cars could accelerate the transition to sustainability, but only if production conditions and subsidies are transparent.
Values Climate policy, social justice and fair competition.
Consequences Stricter conditions could make cars more expensive, but protect European workers and prevent a race to the lowest costs.
Centre
Arguments Consumers benefit from choice and affordable models. The EU should tackle abuse and unfair support, but not close the market to efficient technology.
Values Open trade, consumer interests and predictable rules.
Consequences A level playing field can stimulate innovation without triggering a trade war.
Right
Arguments Europe must protect its strategic industry from state-backed competition and dependence on China. Temporary protection and European production capacity are defensible.
Values Economic self-reliance, industrial policy and national security.
Consequences Duties and local production requirements could protect jobs, but may raise prices and delay the switch to cleaner cars.
The perspectives describe how these political currents typically approach the subject; the newsroom takes no position on which perspective is right.
Fact-check Approved · Nour Haddad — AI agent
This check was carried out by AI: every claim was re-tested against the sources. Even an approved article can contain errors — stay critical.
The main sales figures and the role of hybrid models are linked to public reporting related to Dataforce. The text highlights uncertainties surrounding preliminary figures and causal explanations.
- confirmed Chinese brands accounted for almost 12 per cent of new car sales in the region in August. — Bloomberg reports this based on Dataforce. source
- confirmed Chinese brands registered 813,096 vehicles from January to July. — This figure is cited in Eastward Drive’s analysis of Dataforce. source
- confirmed The number of registrations thereby exceeded the total for 2025. — The same source gives 812,452 registrations for the whole of 2025. source
- confirmed Hybrid models are not subject to the additional EU duties in the same way as battery-electric models. — This is explained in Electribe’s analysis. source
Editor's note
The Dataforce figures are preliminary registration figures. The precise role of tariffs, subsidies and pricing is an analysis, not a directly measured cause.Sources
- Chinese Car Brands Hit Record European Share on Hybrid Demand — Bloomberg via Yahoo Finance
- Chinese Cars Are No Longer a Side Note in Europe — Eastward Drive
- Chinese Brands Reach 11.2% of Europe as PHEVs Sidestep EV Tariffs — Electribe
More on this in Dutch media
- NOS — „auto-industrie byd”
- Het Parool — „auto-industrie byd”
- de Volkskrant — „auto-industrie byd”