Manufacturers that have traditionally dominated the European automobile market view the emergence of some Chinese brands with concern. In our market, Spanish executives from the automotive sector are also giving alarm messages.
The enormous production capacity, proprietary technology and flexibility to develop new automobiles of some Chinese brands clashes head-on with the problems of the old European industry.
In line with this situation, a manager from the powerful manufacturer BYD commented, not long ago, that “they are capable of rectifying in a short period of time if something goes wrong. They have no sense of historical responsibility or commitment to the past. They react quickly, they work very hard and everything depends on themselves. And they don’t need suppliers, the technology is theirs.”
In Spain, for example, a Chinese model has been the sales leader for two months in 2023 and promises to continue its commercial success in 2024. It is the first time something like this has happened.
Chinese cars, in just a few years, have taken a spectacular leap in quality. And security. Not all, it is true, but in general they seem much more prepared to convince, to please, the European user.
Furthermore, the emergence of electromobility has a lot to do with it, and electrification is a source of opportunities for new brands and manufacturers to make their way into markets in which they were not present.
The determining factor that explains the presence of Chinese brands in Europe is the need to start exporting cars outside their country as the local market begins to collapse.
In short, after years of partnering with European manufacturers to develop a powerful automobile industry, China no longer needs anyone. Now it has everything, and under its control: factories, technology, infrastructure, legions of engineers and, above all, cheap labor.
Very modern in appearance, it is the first model that the brand put on sale in Spain and that showed the intentions of this Chinese manufacturer. It is an electric SUV measuring 4.68 meters in length that uses a 204 HP motor powered by a 63 kWh battery. The approved autonomy is 410 km. Good habitability, it includes external cameras for a 360º vision. Available from 42,690 euros, without aid.
It can be your first electric car because it is affordable and well made. With a 204 HP engine, the leading electrification manufacturer announces a range of 427 km. It measures a practical 4.29 meters, with a 345-liter trunk. And the interior ergonomics are optimal with a rotating central screen that can be used horizontally and vertically. It has V2L bidirectional charging technology with power of up to 3.3 kW to charge other devices from the car.
The first electric supercar from BYD, the world’s leading Chinese brand of plug-in vehicles and batteries, will cost about 215,000 euros. Initially, for the Chinese market, it has a power of 1,300 HP and accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.3 seconds. It uses four electric motors and innovative body control technology with adjustable suspension. And it has a really attractive design.
This new Chinese SUV comes to compete without complexes in the premium segment of the market. It is a plug-in hybrid car, with a gasoline engine and two other electric motors, and a total power of 435 HP. Excellent performance, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in just 5.3 seconds. It includes a digital interior with three screens and technological equipment with four cameras, radars and a driver monitoring system with audible alert.
The brand of the Chinese group Chery arrives in Spain with an SUV with true 4×4 features. The first Jaecoo model has a 185 HP gasoline engine, with a seven-speed automatic transmission. At the moment, in a 4×2 version, although a 4×4 and a plug-in hybrid version have to arrive. Square in appearance, it has numerous driving aids. The interior produces a feeling of quality, with a large touch screen in a vertical arrangement.
The first 100% electric pick-up on the market is also Chinese. It incorporates a 177 HP electric motor and a range of 471 km. Robust in appearance, it has a load capacity of 1,000 kg, which makes it an ecological work tool. The equipment includes descent control or LED lights. With a 5-year warranty or 100,000 km, it is available from 39,915 euros, with Moves III plan included.
A large-capacity minivan, for seven people, which is sold only in the electric version for 39,900 euros, with the Moves III plan and the manufacturer’s commercial campaign. The battery has a capacity of 52.5 kWh, with a WLTP autonomy in the urban cycle of up to 356 km. In addition, it incorporates two type 2 charging cables (Mennekes), one for conventional charging and the other for fast charging. Its spacious interior is full of details that make life on board easier, such as the panoramic sunroof.
A sales phenomenon in Spain that worries more than one manufacturer. It is on its way to leading the market, although some opinions have already emerged that question its quality. But the truth is that its presentation and appearance are very good and it is available from 13,990 euros. It has basic gasoline engines of 106 and 110 HP, and also two pure electric engines of 156 and 177 HP. The range of electric vehicles can reach 440 km.
An SUV with an original design that measures 4.40 meters and is on sale from 27,900 euros. It uses a 186 HP gasoline engine, with automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. There is also an electric version with a 204 HP engine and 450 km of autonomy. The Omoda 5 is offered with two equipment levels, Comfort and Premium, with a multitude of standard elements such as a rear view camera. Spain is the first European market for this brand that has landed strongly.
A 100% electric premium-style SUV measuring 4.7 meters in length, available with 4×2 or 4×4 traction and up to 500 km of autonomy. It is the second model launched by the Invicta Motor group brand, thinking of an audience that values ??quality and technology. It has 299 HP (4×2) or 585 HP (4×4). It offers such unusual equipment as the relax mode, where we choose the time we want to rest: the seat reclines and the air conditioning maintains a comfortable temperature to relax.