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Ah, Chinese cars... Just a few years ago, they were looked at askance, a bit like a plate of questionable spring rolls in a company cafeteria. But today, they're everywhere. Literally. In Europe, Africa, South America, and even in our own cities. We're seeing more and more Chinese brands on our roads, and they're seriously starting to overshadow traditional manufacturers.
So, what are these famous Chinese car brands? Which ones can you see on the street corner, and which ones are still somewhat in the shadows, waiting for their moment of glory? Spoiler: there are a lot of them. And not just low-end copies. We're talking electric, innovative, low prices, and even sometimes... style. Yes, yes.
We're taking you on a little road trip to the heart of China's automotive brands. It's not Beijing Express, but almost.
Yes, BYD stands for Build Your Dreams. It's nothing less. It sounds like the name of a personal development program, but in reality, it's one of the largest electric car manufacturers in the world, also known for its Chinese accessories . And that's hardly an exaggeration.
BYD started out as a battery manufacturer. Yes, just batteries. Today, they produce cars, buses, trucks… and even monorails. While Tesla tweets, BYD makes cars. And not just a little. In 2024, they even surpassed Tesla in the number of electric vehicles sold worldwide.
You might soon come across models like the BYD Atto 3 , the Seal , or the Han EV . Slightly strange names, but very real cars. Sleek design, serious autonomy, competitive prices: the recipe works. And seen like that, we can say that BYD's dream is well underway.
Ah MG, that legendary brand that exudes British elegance and strolls through the English countryside... Except that today, MG belongs to the Chinese group SAIC . Yes, the tea is now infused with soy sauce.
MG has given itself a minor electric facelift with models like the MG4, which has been a hit in Europe thanks to its excellent value for money. These are a far cry from the classic cars of old. Here, we're talking modern SUVs, well-equipped sedans, and ranges that would make some European brands pale in comparison. MG's Chinese marbles are now unashamedly driving technological innovation.
The MG4, the ZS EV, and even the MG5 electric estate (yes, an estate, in 2025, who would have thought?) are already available in several European countries. And with improving after-sales service, MG is no longer just a pretty British nostalgia, it's a serious competitor in the market.
Haven't heard of NIO yet? That's normal. It's a bit of a rising star, the startup that's making Western manufacturers shudder. In China, it's already a heavyweight. In Europe? Be patient, they're coming. And with some compelling arguments.
Where everyone else makes you wait 30 minutes at the charging station, NIO lets you swap your battery in 5 minutes at a dedicated station. Just like filling up with gas. The future? Maybe.
NIO is focusing on the high-end, with models like the ES6 , the ET7 , and the EL7 . It's elegant, modern, and above all, packed with technology. Sleek interiors, onboard AI, big screens... enough to make a lot of tech-savvy Europeans drool.
XPeng is the geeky cousin in the Chinese car family. We can easily imagine him spending his weekends coding his own navigation system. And that's not just an image.
XPeng invests fortunes in research and development, sometimes operating under a veritable Chinese technological umbrella . The result: autonomous cars, futuristic interfaces, gull-wing doors (yes, just like a Lambo). All this, often at half the price of Western premium brands.
The P7 , G9 , and G6 are electric models with amazing performance. The design is well thought-out, as is the interior. And if you have a weakness for gadgets, you'll be in for a treat.
Geely is a bit of a discreet bigwig of the automotive industry. We don't necessarily know it, but it owns Volvo , Lotus , a good part of Smart , and even has a big foot in Mercedes-Benz . Quiet.
Geely also develops its own models under several brands: Geometry , Zeekr , Lynk & Co … You have probably already seen a Geely without knowing it.
Zeekr is the group's "luxury-techno" brand. A bit like Geely's NIO. Powerful electric sedans with finishes that rival a Tesla Model S. All with a slightly rebellious edge: Zeekr likes to break the mold, a bit like Chinese fans that unfurl boldly.
Chery isn't the most talked-about brand, but it sells millions of cars every year. Especially outside of China. And now it's making a comeback in Europe.
Under names like Tiggo and Omoda , Chery offers SUVs, city cars, and even electric vehicles. No bling here, just efficiency and very competitive prices. It's a bit like the "good deal" brand of the market.
Dongfeng is one of the largest state-owned manufacturers in China. It collaborates with Peugeot, Honda, Nissan, and more, but also produces its own vehicles.
Voyah is Dongfeng's premium brand, one of the most innovative Chinese crossovers . A sort of Chinese DS, aiming to combine comfort, technology, and a sleek look. For now, it's still a discreet presence in Europe, but that shouldn't last.
With a name like that, you wouldn't expect cute little city cars. And rightly so. Great Wall Motors, or GWM , specializes in SUVs and pickup trucks. And they're coming on strong.
Great Wall also includes Haval , Ora , and WEY .
Haval : the king of the family SUV.
Ora : the electric city car with a retro look, like the Ora Funky Cat (yes, that's really its name).
WEY : the premium segment for those who want elegance and muscle.
A small brand on the rise. The U5 is already available in several European countries. Minimalist, understated, yet effective.
Already collaborating with Huawei to integrate state-of-the-art on-board systems. A smartphone-style connected car.
Still little-known, but with enormous electric ambitions. One to watch closely.
Very active in Latin America and the Middle East. Offers an increasing number of electric and utility vehicles.
Aggressive pricing : for the same price as a Clio, you get a fully equipped electric SUV.
On-board technology : 360 camera, AI, semi-autonomous driving… even on affordable models.
Speed of innovation : while some manufacturers take 5 years to release a new model, Chinese brands do it in 18 months.
And above all, they manage to understand what today's drivers want: a car that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, that doesn't break down after 3 months, and that dazzles people .
Not everything is rosy either.
Branding : We still too often think that "Chinese" = "cheap copy".
After-sales network : there is still work to be done to catch up with Renault or Volkswagen in terms of garages and after-sales service.
Local regulations : safety standards, protectionism... it's not easy to impose yourself everywhere.
But clearly, they are on the right track. And they are moving forward at full speed.
If you thought Chinese cars were just going to take a little tour and then leave... you're wrong. They're here, they're ready, and they don't plan on staying parked.
Brands like BYD, MG, NIO, and XPeng are showing that the Middle Kingdom has figured out the path it needs to take. And at this rate, it may soon be our trusted European brands that will have to pedal to keep up.
So, the next time you see a car with a strange name on your street, don't laugh too quickly. This might be the car of the future . And it's Chinese.