Trend: Why 1 in 3 Spaniards Consider Buying a Chinese Car?

The growing interest in purchasing Chinese cars in Spain is due to a combination of factors that have allowed these brands to quickly gain ground in a highly competitive market.

Their attractive price, commitment to electrification and technology, advancements in design and perceived quality, along with the expansion of an increasingly extensive dealership network, are some of the factors influencing the growing presence of Chinese brands in the Spanish market.

Currently, three out of ten Spanish drivers intending to buy a car would choose a Chinese brand, according to the latest study by the Cetelem Observatory.

Young people aged 18 to 24 are the most prominent in the intention to buy a Chinese car, above average, with 43% of mentions, with price being their main motivation. Additionally, 36% of respondents state they would not buy a Chinese car due to lack of information, while 30% say they have no intention of doing so due to lack of trust.

However, 70% of consumers declare they do not consider buying a Chinese car due to lack of information or trust, the study reveals.

42% of participants are reluctant towards Chinese brands, considering their quality and safety to be average. 13% believe they are of poor or very poor quality and are rated as unsafe or very unsafe by 14% of those involved in the research.

Drivers over 55 years old, besides being the most knowledgeable about these brands, are also the most demanding regarding their perception of the quality and safety offered by Chinese car brands, with a lower percentage considering them to have good or very good quality (43%) and to be safe or very safe (39%).

For a large part of the population, Chinese brands are still not well recognized. In fact, 30% of study participants admit not knowing any Chinese brand names.

Among those who do recognize some, MG is the most mentioned, with 64% of mentions. BYD ranks second, with 35% of responses. 4% claim to know another brand and another 3%, Great Wall.

Price is the most decisive factor when making a purchase decision. Chinese brands offer models with very complete equipment, advanced technologies, and attractive designs at significantly lower prices than their European, Japanese, or Korean counterparts.

The more economical battery supply chain in China and lower labor and production costs allow them to pass this savings onto the final consumer. For many buyers, especially the younger ones (as indicated by the Cetelem study, where 43% of 18 to 24-year-olds prioritize price), the value for money is unbeatable.

Far from the image of low-quality vehicles from years ago, new Chinese models feature modern and attractive designs that align with European tastes. Additionally, the quality of materials and interior finishes has improved notably, surprising many buyers approaching them for the first time.

Brands like MG and BYD, among others, are making a strong investment in expanding their dealership and after-sales service network in Spain. This is crucial to generate the trust that, according to the Cetelem study, is still lacking for 30% of consumers. As the availability of spare parts and workshops increases, the perception of solidity and reliability of these brands improves.

Moreover, Chinese manufacturers have managed to cover a wide spectrum of the market, from compact utilities to luxury SUVs, and with various mechanics (electric, plug-in hybrids, and even combustion). This allows them to reach different customer niches and compete in segments where other manufacturers have reduced their offerings.