Policy and distribution led the UK's Chinese-car news this week.
Tariff warning
China's Commerce Ministry urged the UK to follow WTO rules and said Beijing would take countermeasures if London restricts Chinese electric vehicles (report, second report). It followed UK Trade Minister Anas Sarwar's disclosure that EV import tariffs are being discussed with European partners; no rate or timetable has been announced. The UK did not follow the EU's additional duties in 2024, and the Financial Times reported on September 25 that the EU had pressed Britain to raise tariffs.
Distribution and production
Geely signed its 100th UK retail outlet, Evans Halshaw Geely Mansfield with dealer group Lithia, reaching its target of 100 UK dealerships by the end of 2026, though it has not said how many are open. Geely has also been building fleet demand: in August it added the EX2 to the salary-sacrifice leasing programme run by Tusker, part of Lloyds Banking Group. Its cumulative UK registrations passed 10,000 in 11 months, including more than 5,000 in September 2026. Chery is exploring UK production and closer ties with JLR; the report says Chery accounts for 16% of Carwow purchase enquiries, against 18% for Volkswagen Group, and no factory or JLR deal has been announced. Lepas, the Chery Group's UK newcomer, showed the Aura concept.
Reviews
The BYD Shark plug-in pick-up (435 bhp) was found capable off-road but less convincing on the road, with a firm ride and inconsistent steering; it pairs a 32.2 kWh battery rated for 55 miles of electric driving with a 1.5-litre turbo petrol engine, and the reviewer recorded 25 mpg once the battery was depleted against BYD's 80.7 mpg WLTP figure. The MG ZS Hybrid was praised for space and value, though it criticised heavy steering and an unsettled ride; this generation is hybrid-only.
What it means
- A UK tariff is a possibility under discussion, not a decision, and Beijing has now attached a threat to it.
- Dealer count and registrations show Geely scaling quickly in its first year.