Chinese car brands are rapidly gaining market share across Europe, and their influence is becoming impossible to overlook. According to recent data, Chinese manufacturers registered over 65,800 new vehicles in May 2025, more than doubling their share year-on-year from 2.9% to 5.9%. This significant increase in registrations reflects a broader shift in the total market, driven by changing customer expectations, evolving technologies, and new competition in the leasing and fleet space.

The standout performer remains MG, which registered 29,400 vehicles in May, a 30% year-on-year rise. MG has now surpassed Fiat in year-to-date numbers, delivering over 133,000 units. This is more than just a success story for one brand; it highlights how Chinese manufacturers are beginning to increase their market share through strategic pricing, attractive products or services, and improving customer satisfaction.

One of the fastest risers is BYD (Build Your Dreams), which saw a massive 397% spike in registrations compared to the same period last year. In May, BYD came within just 40 units of matching Tesla, a brand it already outsold in April.

This shows how quickly Chinese brands can disrupt the status quo. BYD’s growing presence signals more than just popularity; it reflects a deep understanding of European fleet needs, especially around electric car technology and cost-efficiency. For businesses looking to attract new customers through sustainable transport solutions or to refresh their fleets with reliable, forward-looking vehicles, BYD is now a serious contender.

Other Chinese brands are making headlines too. Omoda, a design-led marque backed by Chery, sold over 4,200 units in May, surpassing Mitsubishi. Meanwhile, Jaecoo, another rising brand, registered 7,449 vehicles, outperforming Honda – a clear example of how market share a company holds can shift dramatically with the right market entry strategy.

Fleet managers and leasing clients are beginning to take notice. Many Chinese vehicles now offer the same technology, range, and safety features as their European or Japanese counterparts, but at lower monthly lease rates.

This not only increases choice, but also reduces bargaining power traditionally held by legacy manufacturers. For a leasing company like Toomey Leasing Group, this presents an opportunity to offer clients newer, more versatile vehicles that align with budget, brand image, and environmental goals.

The impact of market shifts like this is especially noticeable in the total industry sales for electric and hybrid vehicles. While EV-focused brands such as Tesla experienced a drop in registrations (down 29% in May), Chinese automakers surged, despite looming EU tariffs on electric imports.

This growth is being fuelled by a strategic pivot: many Chinese firms are now heavily promoting plug-in hybrids as well as full EVs, which continue to resonate with European consumers. For fleet clients still transitioning from combustion to electric, this balanced mix offers a low-risk entry point.

This growing market presence is also a sign that calculating market share in the auto sector can no longer ignore new entrants. Chinese brands are reshaping the competitive landscape by undercutting pricing norms and offering strong products or services that meet the practical needs of daily business use, from range and reliability to comfort and aftercare.

As a trusted leasing partner, Toomey Leasing Group remains focused on helping clients navigate this changing environment. Our fleet solutions are designed to keep your business agile and competitive, whether that means integrating new electric models, expanding hybrid options, or building a lease strategy around emerging manufacturers like BYD, Omoda, and Jaecoo. With flexible lease contracts, maintenance plans, and vehicles suited for every business size, we support smarter, more future-proof mobility planning.