{
  "id": 13168118,
  "title": "UK tariffs could put the brakes on cheap Chinese EVs after record month",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/09/uk-tariffs-could-put-the-brakes-on-cheap-chinese-evs-after-record",
  "topic": "business",
  "section": "Business",
  "published": "2026-10-09T17:34:40.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/vehicle-tech/hybrid-electric-vehicles/byd-and-leapmotor-power-record-month-for-electric-cars-in-the-uk-but-tariffs-could-soon-put-the-brakes-on-chinese-evs"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recent data from the UK's Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) indicates Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers are making significant inroads into the UK market. BYD, in particular, has seen a surge in popularity, gaining third and fourth place in September 2026 with its Sealion 7 and Seal models. Leapmotor, a newer entrant, even managed to secure a spot in the top ten.\n\nGermany is advocating for the UK to support its \"Made in Europe\" initiatives by potentially increasing tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles. Prime Minister Andy Burnham met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz to discuss this matter. The UK's automakers, however, argue that such tariffs would increase prices for consumers, potentially driving up inflation and interest rates.\n\nGuy Pigounakis, commercial director of MG, a Chinese-owned brand, warned that matching the European Commission's proposed levy of up to 45% on imports would have a significant impact on prices. He stated that the world has already seen such proposals, and they tend to result in higher costs for consumers and reduced choice.\n\nThe SMMT data suggests that electrified vehicles, particularly those from Chinese brands, have been instrumental in driving growth, accounting for a record 58.4% of all vehicle registrations. However, the influx of affordable Chinese EVs is putting pressure on established brands like Volkswagen and Audi, which currently rank at the bottom of the Top Models sales charts in the UK. Despite the emergence of competitors from Renault, Skoda, Mercedes-Benz, and others, Chinese manufacturers appear to be making significant gains.\n\nIn response to the threat of potential tariffs, Chinese EV manufacturers are exploring the option of establishing more manufacturing plants in Europe. This strategic move aims to protect their interests against what they perceive as future trade barriers.",
  "summary": "BYD and Leapmotor hit record sales numbers in the UK — but increased tariffs could make Chinese EVs a lot more expensive.",
  "key_points": [
    "Chinese EVs surge in UK market, BYD leads in September 2026",
    "Germany proposes tariffs up to 45% on Chinese EV imports",
    "UK automakers warn tariffs will increase prices and reduce choice"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}