19 September 2025
How can Chinese brands succeed in the European automotive market, and which carmakers made headlines this week? Autovista24 editor Tom Geggus examines the latest news in this episode of the Automotive Update podcast.
In this week’s episode, an inside look at Autovista Group’s latest webinar: Cracking the code: Chinese EV brands entering Europe. Plus, the brands making their mark on the region, and what is it like behind the wheel of the Deepal S07?
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Chinese brands cracking the code
In a new webinar, Autovista Group’s director of valuations, Christian Schneider, and director of business development, Christoph Ruhland, discussed China. More specifically, the country’s automotive brands that are making their way into Europe.
The panel assessed the region’s current economic and strategic backdrop, with a focus on electrification. This was followed by a look at how Chinese brands are operating in Europe’s new and used-car markets.
The final segment of the webinar considered what these marques are doing well, and where some improvements could be made. Schneider emphasised one key point: ‘it is really important to have a clear, unique selling point and a strong brand image.’
He added that a strong dealer network is also crucial for brands looking to bring their models into Europe. Alongside this, aftersales and services are also exceptionally important for used-car buyers.
Sign up for Autovista Group’s next webinar taking place on 14 October 2025 at 09:30 BST / 10:30 CET. Do not miss The road ahead: Residual value trends and the next market shift.
Chinese plans in Europe
Jetour, a brand from Chery, will sell three internal-combustion engine (ICE) models in Poland from November, according to Reuters. This includes the X70, the Dashing and the T2. The brand aims to have 30 dealerships across the country by mid-2026.
Leapmotor will build cars in Spain from 2026, Autocar reported. Alongside this, the carmaker is expected to launch two more models based on European requirements.
Changan has launched sales of its Deepal S07 in the UK, AM Online reported. It will initially be sold through 20 dealerships, with plans to expand to 50 locations by the end of this year.
Having recently driven the Deepal S07, Autovista24 special content editor Phil Curry highlighted some of the car’s more unique features. An interior camera is capable of capturing the driver’s gestures, allowing them to pick up the phone or take a selfie. Meanwhile, the Deepal voice assistant is capable of issuing warnings and responding to questions.
Behind the wheel, the car’s steering feels precise. Meanwhile, the suspension is soft enough to soak up road imperfections at lower speeds, but strong enough to prevent leaning while cornering. Curry noted that at higher speeds, the model can feel slightly fidgety.
‘Overall, this is a car built for family experience and designed for those who prefer a clutter-free lifestyle. Its price point is attractive for the premium feel that you get when sitting in it. So overall, it makes an interesting addition to the expanding number of Chinese models entering Europe,’ Curry summarised.
