Race Chinese manufacturers in Europe do not weaken. Almost every week we learn about the appearance of a new brand in such and such a country, about a model that will soon be presented on the market in France… In 2022, all these Chinese brands sold 202,000 cars and light commercial vehicles in Europe, compared to 82,500 in 2021! France was sixth in the ranking, where 15,985 Chinese models were registered for the whole year. Great Britain, Germany, Italy, Norway and Sweden are behind. The big winner is called MG, which won 55% of Chinese sales in Europe! Success became possible thanks to the great popularity of the brand in the former national territory, in Great Britain. We then found Polestar with 16% (not sold in France due to dispute with Citroën). Then Lynk&Co (13%), DR in Italy (10%). Other brands account for only 6% of total registrations in China.
Omoda and Tiggo: the goal of Europe
Among this list there’s a great truant, Cheri. This Chinese brand, which is certainly only the tenth in China, is doing very well internationally. It is even one of the best exported. North Africa, Southeast Asia, Latin America… However, he has not yet made his first classes in Europe. At least not under that name. In Italy, DR Motors sells rebadged Chery models in the domestic market, and this is from 2006! Several plans for Europe had been announced, but were still pending. It has a number of models that could be distributed here. Mini city cars, crossovers, all the way to the elegant road sedan Arrizo 8. A few months ago, she announced that she wanted to first launch of its Omoda 5 and Tiggo 9 crossovers on the Old Continent.
Overshadow German premiums
Even if its arrival in France is not expected before 2025, Tiggo 9 is already in Europe ! The Luxembourg importer has already brought a few to try on our roads and start testing the market with customers. Its marketing will also initially be reserved for the Grand Duchy, Italy (of course), Spain and Germany. France will follow. Tiggo 9 just arrived Chery’s new flagship. It is a large SUV that will compete with German premium competitors (BMW X5, Mercedes GLE and Audi Q7). This model is available in China exclusively in a hybrid engine with a battery pack. It develops a total power of 361 horsepower, and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.5 seconds. Even if its line is quite classic, inside, the presentation is neatand a large digital touch screen quite cozy atmosphere. We’ll see if that’s enough to find a place in the sun, but its price can be a game changer ! So we’ll still have to wait before we see it cross our French roads…
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Source: Auto Plus
Robert is an experienced journalist who has been covering the automobile industry for over a decade. He has a deep understanding of the latest technologies and trends in the industry and is known for his thorough and in-depth reporting.