Chinese car manufacturers are speeding up their plans to enter new European markets as they aim to win business in countries where electrification of transport is under way.

In China's fiercely competitive market, with over 200 car and van makers vying for the top spot, new players like Xiaomi, a major smartphone maker, are entering the electric vehicle market.

Chinese brands see mainland Europe and the UK as crucial growth opportunities. Zhang Yong, vice president of Hozon subsidiary Neta Auto, stated: “China's market is tough. We have good cars at good prices, but to stay afloat, we need to go global.”

Brands like BYD, GWM (Great Wall), and Omoda (owned by Chery) have recently entered the UK market, following the success of MG and Maxus, both owned by SAIC.

Others like Neta Auto, New Gonow, JAC, and the Geely/Baidu joint venture Jidu are also planning their entry into key global markets, including the UK, where they are preparing to meet homologation requirements and sell right-hand drive models, writes AM group editor Stephen Briers.