A stream of cheaper, well-stocked Chinese cars – mainly electric – are now arriving on British shores, says RAY MASSEY
A wave of cheaper, well-stocked Chinese cars – mainly electric – are now arriving on British shores.
This turns out to be a double-edged sword. Chinese cars can be up to 20 percent cheaper, according to the EU, which is great news for consumers looking for more affordable plug-in cars in the sub-£30,000 sweet spot.
But the British government, the EU and the US have warned that China’s aggressive policies pose a “challenge” to Western values and economies.
Sales drive: New Chinese import to Britain, the BYD Atto3 electric SUV
It makes us too dependent on Chinese batteries, microchips and other technologies.
China already controls (via Africa) the global supply of cobalt, which is essential for electric car batteries.
In October last year, the European Commission announced an ‘anti-subsidy investigation’ into electric vehicle imports from China, claiming the ‘global market is being flooded with cheaper electric vehicles’ being dumped on Western markets with artificially low prices, supported by ‘ huge state subsidies’. .
President Biden has already imposed tariffs of 27.5 percent (Trump would increase this to 100 percent) and the EU and the UK could follow suit.
The US also fears that smart chips on Chinese cars could turn them into ‘spies on wheels’.
Against this backdrop, Chinese car companies are making their pitch.
Among the brands moving in this direction are BYD, the world’s largest exporter, Omoda, the legendary British brand MG, now owned by China’s SAIC, and Volvo, together with Polestar, owned by Geely.
And Mini will initially build its new electric Cooper and Aceman models in China as part of a joint venture with Great Wall Motors.
Warning: The UK government, EU and US have warned that China’s aggressive policies pose a ‘challenge’ to Western values and economies
Renault unveils new Captur compact crossover
It will be available from the fall, is the bigger brother of the Clio and comes with a choice of two powertrains.
The entry-level 90bhp 1.0-litre three-cylinder is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox, has an average fuel consumption of 48.3mpg and is expected to cost around €22,000.
Colorful: available from autumn, the bigger brother of the Clio and available with a choice of two drivetrains
The 143PS fully hybrid E-Tech automatic variant combines a 94PS 1.6-litre four-cylinder engine with two electric motors and a 1.2kWh battery and will cost around £29,000. It averages 60.1 mpg.
Pressing an ‘E-Save’ button next to the steering wheel maintains a minimum 40 percent battery charge for optimal performance under load.