Chinese car manufacturers are continuing to strengthen their position in the European automotive market. By offering affordable hybrid vehicles, they are attracting consumers who remain hesitant about making the transition to fully electric cars.
Brands including BYD, MG, and Xpeng captured a record market share of nearly 12 percent last month, according to calculations by German research firm Dataforce.
Chinese automakers were responsible for one in four hybrid vehicle sales during the period. Dataforce noted that these brands have effectively leveraged the European Union’s import tariff framework, as hybrid models imported from China are not subject to the same high tariffs imposed on Chinese-made electric vehicles.
The figures also underline how Chinese manufacturers are benefiting from ongoing consumer concerns about electric vehicle ownership. Issues such as the availability of charging infrastructure and the limited driving range of fully electric cars continue to influence purchasing decisions, making hybrid vehicles an attractive alternative.
At the same time, rising fuel prices are placing increasing pressure on demand for traditional petrol and diesel-powered cars, creating further opportunities for hybrid models to gain market share.
@anp | NEWSBRAINPORT
