Will Chinese brands become as well established in the UK as Kia and Hyundai?

YES 71.1%
NO 28.9%

The flood of product from Chinese manufacturers might be more like a trickle in the UK at the moment, but dealers are still confident they will become as well established as Korean brands.

A majority of voters agree that Chinese brands will become as well established in the UK as Kia and Hyundai.

Top comments from the poll:

“The Asian car manufacturers still have a bit to learn about the Western idea of cars, but are catching up quickly with the big German and French brands. In the next five years we will see a huge influx of these cars.”

“With the right level of on-going investment and cars designed for the European market, yes. With brands, such as Renault and Mazda contracting their network, the way is open for new entrants to fill the gaps with dealer partners looking for new relationships untarnished by past experiences.”

“They will evolve like the Koreans from budget to volume. But they will do it quicker as they have access to current technology, due to their joint ventures.”

“Another 10 years from now they will be a major force in the market. They have the money, they will acquire the know-how and the product will be what the market wants.”

“Not in the short to medium term. It has taken Kia and Hyundai a long time to become established with any serious volumes.”

“Production costs will have a significant bearing on the price point at which these products can be brought to market and in a challenging economy where vehicle acquisition spend is dropping this will fit well into the UK market.”

“It will take another 5-10 years for the product and dealer network to establish before they rival Kia and Hyundai.”

“For the Chinese to be successful they will have to understand European design and adopt an ‘eco’ plan as have the other major players in the Far East. 

“Ignore and underestimate the Chinese at your peril. Look at the initial view the UK/European motor industry took at the Japanese 30 years ago, and the Koreans more recently.”

“Until they stop producing copies and start employing good designers and engineers they will not be a true force in the UK”

“I’m sure we’ll kiss goodbye to some familiar names in the process too.”