Chinese brands took advantage of the September plate-change to drive sales to their highest levels yet.
Changan saw the biggest increase for the month with sales of 659 cars compared to 19 last September while Leapmotor saw a seven-fold increase in sales to 3,942 units.
Chery soared with sales up 660% to 9,788 units for the month while Jaecoo rose 132% to 15,055 units and BYD 79% to 20,140 units, according to figures from the Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders.
Omoda sales rose 68% to 7,241 units and SAIC owned MG rose 24% to 18,026 for the month.
The Jaecoo 7 was the best-selling car in September, shifting 10,813 units.
Chinese carmakers are focusing on the tariff free UK market while Europe levies up to 35% on Chinese cars on top of the EU standard 10% import duty.
Chairman of automotive consultancy ICDP Steve Young has said it will surprise no one that Chinese brands will grow to take 20% of some established markets.
Philip Nothard, Insight Director, Cox Automotive said: “The increasing influence of Chinese manufacturers is impossible to ignore. Their growing presence is stimulating competition and a greater range of consumer choice.
“Still, it is also intensifying pressure on established brands, especially as the industry continues to work towards increasingly demanding EV targets.”
